Stewart Leaver Expand Stewart first contacted Solving Kids' Cancer in Nov 2017 shortly after this daughter Jossie, who was 4 years old at the time, was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. The family were treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and following multiple relapses, travelled to both Barcelona and Germany to access clinical trials not available in the UK. Sadly, Jossie passed away in Nov 2019. Since Jossie’s death, Stewart has continued to take an active interest in Solving Kids' Cancer and wants to use his experiences to help inform the charity’s approach to supporting parents and families. Stewart lives in Hertfordshire with his wife Cassie, and Jossie’s younger brother Dougie.
Kate Dixon Expand Kate’s involvement with Solving Kids Cancer started in 2018 when her son Magnus was being treated for high-risk neuroblastoma in Nottingham. With the support of Solving Kids Cancer, Magnus went on to access the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial in July 2019. He remains no evidence of disease today. Kate has now managed to return to work as a mental health nurse and when not at work is kept busy with Magnus and his big brother’s busy social diaries.
Garrett Fitzgerald Expand Garrett’s involvement with Solving Kids’ Cancer started in 2018 after his youngest daughter Lauren was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in July 2018 aged 13. After successful NHS frontline treatment finished in Sept 2019, Lauren completed the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York in Oct 2020. Garrett is the Director of Freshways and lives in Northern Ireland with his wife Mary Clare and their four children.
Anna Austin Expand Anna became aware of Solving Kids’ Cancer when her daughter Isla was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma on her first birthday. Isla had frontline treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital and then with the help, support and guidance of Solving Kids’ Cancer embarked on a clinical trial in New York. Isla is currently in remission and started school this academic year. Prior to Isla’s diagnosis Anna worked in e-commence within head office roles for leading UK retailers, latterly as an Ecommerce Trading Manager. Anna lives in Hertfordshire with her husband Rick and children, son Finn and twin daughters Lottie and Isla. “I have seen first hand the devastation neuroblastoma causes. Our innocent children are being put through such brutal treatment, the heartbreaking loss of lives and the cruel and serious side effects survivors contend with. I am honoured to be part of this organisation and passionate about making a difference. Together we must fight for our children, for kinder treatment and a cure”.
Naomi Shefford-Thomas Expand Naomi's youngest daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with neuroblastoma aged 9 months and spent almost 4 years undergoing treatment which she completed in 2019. The family were supported through much of that time by Solving Kids' Cancer which included help in knowing where to find accurate and up to date information. With the support of Solving Kids' Cancer, the family were then able to make informed decisions with regards to Phoebe’s treatment pathway. Naomi lives in Leicestershire with her husband Russell and two daughters, Amelie and Phoebe. "I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to be part of the Parent Forum and look forward to being able to contribute to the important work of Solving Kids' Cancer".
Claire Donnelly Expand Claire was introduced to Solving Kids' Cancer by another family after her youngest daughter Ellen was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in January 2018 when she was aged 2. Ellen underwent treatment in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children which she completed in April 2019. The family launched a fundraising campaign to enrol Ellen on a clinical trial in New York, with the hope that it would help reduce the risk of relapse. Ellen is currently in remission. Claire lives in Northern Ireland with her husband Patrick and two daughters, Lucy and Ellen. "We were very grateful to have the support of Solving Kids' Cancer during our campaign, and also their assistance and guidance in arranging our trips to New York for the duration of the trial. Their help has been absolutely invaluable to our family".
Naomi Bentham Expand Naomi first became involved with the charity in 2012 when her daughter Anya was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. After Anya needed second line chemotherapy to clear the disease from her body prior to stem cell transplant, it became clear that they may need to access treatment outside the NHS and the UK to give Anya the best chance of survival. Along with an incredible core team of fundraisers, Naomi and her family raised over £250,000. Without support from Solving Kids Cancer, this would not have been possible. After successfully completing frontline treatment they enrolled Anya into the DFMO trial in Michigan in 2014 with support from their home hospital, Alder Hey, to help to prevent relapse. Anya was the first child from the UK to enter and complete this trial. Naomi has continued to raise awareness of the incredible work that Solving Kids' Cancer does through television and press interviews, social media, and word of mouth. Naomi has a background in Marketing and Communications and currently manages small businesses social media accounts through her role as a virtual personal assistant. Her life is devoted to having adventures with her husband Graeme, the incredible Anya, their youngest, Noah, and their two dogs, Jack and Louis.
Leeanne Brennan Expand Leeanne's eldest son Zak was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma, 1 week before his 3rd Birthday in 2015. Zak was treated at The Royal Hospital, Belfast and in December 2016 was no evidence of disease. The family were supported by Solving Kids' Cancer throughout Zak's treatment to fundraise to access the DFMO trial in Michigan. Zak completed the trial in January 2019 and his scans have remained clear since. Leeanne lives in Belfast with her husband Gareth and two children Zak and Amelia. Zak is now 8 years old, in Primary 4 and living his best life. "Solving Kids' Cancer took the pressure off us when we most needed it as a family enabling us to give Zak our full attention. They were always there to answer any questions we had or just to support us as a family".