Celebrating neuroblastoma research
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we joined the research team at the University of Cambridge to celebrate their vital research into neuroblastoma. Dr Kirsty Ferguson, Research Associate at the Philpott Group, organised this fabulous opportunity for our team and supporters to visit the lab, and tells us more about the day.
The team from Neuroblastoma UK and the Philpott Group
Neuroblastoma research - from labs to clinics
On 7th September the Philpott Group at the University of Cambridge had a visit from Neuroblastoma UK, including Trustees of the charity and those with lived experience of neuroblastoma. The day included a talk by Professor Anna Philpott on her lab’s journey to researching neuroblastoma, a tour of the lab facilities and microscopes, as well as discussions about the importance of tissue donation to the neuroblastoma research and how research is translated to the clinic.
"We were delighted and privileged to have a group from Neuroblastoma UK visit our laboratory. In sharing our research with survivors, patient advocates and trustees of this wonderful charity that has supported our work over a number of years, it really brought the real human meaning of the science alive for us, renewing our determination to find new and kinder ways to treat this devastating disease.” - Professor Anna Philpott
For several of us, this was our first time meeting someone affected by the disease that we research. It was very impactful to hear their stories, and we were grateful for everyone’s openness, and their time to visit us! There were some great discussions, and everyone took a lot away from the day.
The day ended with a talk about how I use poetry as a medium to communicate about neuroblastoma, and a moment of reflection by Nicki, Fundraising Manager at Neuroblastoma UK. The visit followed on from a poem ‘Fly High’ that I wrote for Cambridge Creative Encounters using words from patients and families.
The message ‘fly high’ speaks to children who are sadly no longer with us, those who have survived neuroblastoma and fly high despite side-effects, and families who continue to navigate this path alongside their children and courageously share their stories.” The overlying message is one of hope, a sentiment shared by Nicki during the moment of reflection for the charity’s first Gold Glow Reflection Day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
-
None of us
had heard the word
neuroblastoma,
until that frightful day.
Just 18 months old,
Tumour size of a fist,
With ten per cent chance
of surviving, they say.
Then chemotherapy, surgery,
A stem cell transplant;
We were so proud
Of her fighting spirit.
Radio- ,
Differentiation - ,
Immuno-therapy;
And he never complained one bit.
This cancer -
It was relentless.
What would we fight
It with now?
There’s a lasting impact
When a child has cancer,
But we continue through,
Somehow.
My little angel
Slipped away that morning,
As I whispered ,
“I love you, fly high”.
Now up above ,
With wings they spread,
Sparkles of hope
In the deep blue sky.
See everyone
needs a bit of hope,
Even just,
A tiny glimmer.
-
‘Fly High’ was inspired by quotes from personal stories of neuroblastoma patients and their families shared by the charity Neuroblastoma UK – these words are italicised in the poem.
Thank you to Neuroblastoma UK and all those who allowed me to share their words through this poem, namely Georgia’s dad, Richard; Sayra; Becky; Charlotte; Lauren; and Beth’s mum, Jill.
Neuroblastoma survivor and guest Becky had this to say about the day:
“I had one of the most amazing days of my life! The whole day was fascinating, educational, awe-inspiring nd truly mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed by how incredible these people are and the work they are doing. For the first time in my life, I was able to learn how my cancer had formed and progressed, and it gave me whole new understanding I never had before.”
Our sincere thanks to Dr Kirsty Ferguson, Greg Palmer (CSCI Public Engagement Manager) and Daniel Cook (CSCI Advanced Apprentice) and the team for organising such a special day.