Cara's story - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
“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. ”
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.
In memory of Cara
“Cara filled our lives with joy and love.”
It’s been four years since Cara died as a result of neuroblastoma. Since then as we continue to grieve I hear about so many children still passing away as a result of this devastating disease. I continue to support Neuroblastoma UK in the hope that a cure can be found but also in the hope for better and less invasive treatments with less painful side effects. I still remember the agony that Cara faced - intense nerve pain- during her first doses of immunotherapy, and the horrendous and life threatening side effects she experienced in the face of high dose chemotherapy not to mention the devastating pain she endured at the end of her life in the weeks and days before she died.
I live in hope that children who are diagnosed in the future are offered better treatment options and better chances of survival, that they won’t suffer like Cara did.
This September I will be taking part in the South East Coast Ultra Challenge in memory of Cara. Along with my friends and family we will be taking on the 100km challenge fundraising for Neuroblastoma UK.
“I look to Neuroblastoma UK as a beacon of hope, supported by fantastic Trustees such as Professor Debbie Tweddle who is spearheading research.”
Thank you to Isobel for bravely sharing Cara’s story with us.
Go Gold Day
Thursday, 26th September
Have you been inspired to set up your own fundraiser for Neuroblastoma UK? Mark your calendars for Go Gold Day, a special event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Neuroblastoma UK. On this day, we encourage everyone to participate in gold-themed fundraisers and help spread the word through turning social media gold.
Let's unite and turn everything gold to show our support and raise essential funds for research and treatment. Together, we can shine a light on childhood cancer.