Family support We are there for families of children affected by neuroblastoma, providing support throughout their cancer journey and helping them with the widespread challenges they face. Neuroblastoma is a life-threatening childhood cancer that affects around 100 children each year in the UK. Nearly half of those are categorised as 'high-risk', a diagnosis that's even more challenging to treat and increases the need for our additional support. Solving Kids' Cancer's Family Support Team Our frontline team is comprised of three parents who truly understand and know how to help. Their personal experience with neuroblastoma treatment and in-depth knowledge of the clinical trials landscape has led to over 12 years of professional experience in supporting families. What is our support for families dealing with neuroblastoma? Our family support varies depending on your needs, but can include: Helping families to understand neuroblastoma and its treatment with evidence-based and impartial information Providing pastoral care and a listening ear, helping families with the emotional and practical challenges caused by neuroblastoma Liaising between the family, healthcare team and institutions, where appropriate Helping families to fully prepare for any access to treatment not available on the NHS – from cost negotiations with overseas hospitals to organising flights and accommodation Hosting our annual Neuroblastoma Parent Education Conference, where families hear from experts on neuroblastoma research and treatments Referring families to other charities for additional support, such as Macmillan Cancer Support for expert financial guidance Facilitating fundraising campaigns for families to help raise any costs of accessing treatment that is not available through the NHS Contact us Families affected by neuroblastoma are welcome to connect with our Family Support Team by calling 0207 284 0800 or emailing: [email protected] Vicky Inglis - Senior Family Support Coordinator Vicky leads our Family Support Team and she truly understands. Her brave son, Jamie, passed away in January 2013 at the age of seven after battling neuroblastoma for half of his life. Jamie received treatment in the UK, Germany and USA at a time when there was no Family Support Service estalished. Vicky left her primary school teaching career to work with Solving Kids' Cancer. Jamie's legacy shines on through Vicky's work with the charity. Vicky is always available to identify and address each families' needs, aiming for the best outcome each time. Hayley Blackwell - Family Support Coordinator Hayley is always on hand to provide support to families throughout their child's cancer journey. She has been through this with her own daughter. Eva was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2014 and is now over three years in remission, thriving after being successfully treated in the UK. She is ideally placed to guide other families. Family Consultant, Donna Ludwinski Donna has a vast knowledge of the neuroblastoma research landscape. As a staunch parent advocate, Donna is passionate about providing resources to neuroblastoma families and guiding them through the realms of clinical trials to empower their decision-making. She is based in New York, USA, and is the Director of Research Programs for Solving Kids' Cancer in the US. Donna’s son, Erik, passed from neuroblastoma in 2010 at the age of 24.