Cara's story
“We live in hope that parents will be able to spot the signs of this cancer earlier and we know that the research that is being carried out is already providing a lifeline to families like ours whose children face this terrible disease. ”
Cara with her mummy Isobel
After experiencing a lack of appetite, temperatures, lethargy, sickness and numerous trips to the GP, Cara was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
Despite 19 months of treatment, Cara relapsed three months after completing front-line treatment. She was just three years old when she passed away in February 2020.
Isobel, Cara’s mummy, shares their story to help other parents spot the signs of this cancer earlier.
Cara’s symptoms and neuroblastoma diagnosis
“Before we knew it we were hauled up in the children’s oncology ward in disbelief. I had never heard of neuroblastoma.”
Cara needed 19 months of treatment
Cara was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September 2017 after a summer of no appetite, temperatures, lethargy, sickness and five fruitless trips to the GP. In the end we went down the urgent care route and before we knew it we were hauled up in the children’s oncology ward in disbelief. I had never heard of neuroblastoma.
She needed 19 months of hard hitting treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell rescue, high dose chemotherapy and a nine hour operation. Alongside the terribly difficult times of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, general anaesthetics, diarrhoea and sickness for Cara, we did our best to show her and her brother happier times wherever possible. We cherish our memories of this time.
Cara was an inspiration
“She was an inspiration, so often with a smile on her face - she filled our lives with joy and love. ”
Cara doted on her baby sister
We have hundreds of photos of Cara in the hospital setting but she was an inspiration, so often with a smile on her face - she filled our lives with joy and love.
Although hospital life was tough, we treasured our time with her when we were so uncertain about the future. With neuroblastoma, even if Cara got through her initial treatment, there would still be a 50% chance of relapse.
After Cara rang the bell at the end of treatment in May 2019, we were jubilant and just weeks later we welcomed her sister into the world, an arrival that was the highlight of Cara’s life; she doted on her baby sister.
This was a summer of happy times, making dens with her big brother/her best friend, seeing her cousins and friends, celebrating her 3rd birthday and being free from Cancer treatment and the disease.
Cara relapsed months after finishing treatment
“It was the hardest and most upsetting thing we had ever faced, with diminished hope for Cara’s survival. ”
“Cara filled our lives with joy and love.”
But just three months after completing her frontline treatment, Cara relapsed. It was the hardest and most upsetting thing we had ever faced, with diminished hope for Cara’s survival.
She endured more chemotherapy and another long operation but in February 2020, just as the pandemic unfolded, Cara passed away. She was three years and seven months old.
Our wonderful family and friends have got us through the impossible. We are still wading through our grief but they have gone above and beyond to raise funds and awareness for Neuroblastoma UK in Cara’s memory.
We live in hope that parents will be able to spot the signs of this cancer earlier and we know that the research that is being carried out is already providing a lifeline to families like ours whose children face this terrible disease.
Thank you to Isobel for bravely sharing Cara’s story with us.
Every week in the UK, around two children just like Cara are diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an often aggressive childhood cancer. Sadly, for the 50% of children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, the survival rate is around 40-50%. And if a child relapses, their chances of survival reduces to just 10%.
GLOW GOLD REFLECTION DAYS
Our Glow Gold Reflection Days give you a moment to reflect and remember children like Cara.
Please join us and light a Gold Ribbon candle to remember the children we’ve sadly lost to neuroblastoma and show your support for everyone affected by childhood cancer.