New campaign shines light on childhood cancer

A NORTHSIDE woman has added her voice to a campaign that is seeking to raise more awareness of childhood cancer.

Eddie McDermott was only 21-months-old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood leukemia called AML.

The Raheny toddler received expert treatment at St John’s Cancer Ward in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and thankfully has been in remission since December 2011.

However, for his mum and dad, Cathriona and Declan, their whole world stopped on that day in September 2011 when they were given the news of their son’s life-threatening illness.

“It was like being in a train crash – everything was upside down,

? Cathriona told Northside People.

“I was 11 weeks pregnant at the time with Sophie (Eddie’s only other sibling). In a strange way it was good because things had to go back to normal. It was a good to have a distraction at such a difficult time.

?

Nosebleeds and unusually bad bruising were the early symptoms of Eddie’s illness. While his parents realised that something was wrong, they weren’t prepared for what was to come.

After his diagnosis Eddie underwent four rounds of chemotherapy which proved to be very intense.

“He got the last one on December 23, 2011 and he’s been in remission since, thank God,

? said Cathriona.

“It’s almost two years since his last day of treatment which is a big milestone. He still has regular checks but he is doing really well. He has a normal childhood and is in playschool.

“They say childhood cancer is rare but it’s only when you’re in Crumlin Hospital you see the amount of people that have been affected.

“The staff at St John’s Ward were absolutely amazing but I, and many other parents, feel they should be given more support.

“I think there should be more awareness about childhood cancer, with more money going to research so that cures can be found.

“Money is also needed to improve conditions at the hospital. Better facilities would make life easier for the fantastic staff.

?

Cathriona is involved in an initiative called

‘Light It Up Gold’, which was set up by a group of parents of children who have cancer.

The idea originated in the US when Tony Stoddard, whose five-year-old twin son, Cole, died from cancer in 2012, created a campaign called

‘A Day of Yellow and Gold’. He came up with the concept of lighting up renowned buildings in gold.

The Light It Up Gold team in Ireland ran a number of events last week in a bid to raise much-needed funds for St John’s Ward, which cares for approximately 160 children who are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisin Quinn launched the Light It Up Gold initiative last Saturday week (August 31) at the Mansion House, with over 1,000 people attending a candle-lit walk for childhood cancer awareness.

Aoife Clarke, a member of the Light It Up Gold team, said that while childhood cancer is rare, sometimes that rarity is perceived as non-existent.

“It does exist,

? she stated.

“Childhood cancer has a devastating ripple effect and our campaign is to raise awareness of its existence.

“Through this awareness we will hopefully create funding to help provide better facilities and treatments to give our children a better future.

?

As well as raising awareness of childhood cancer, the vigil presented an opportunity to all those in attendance to honour all children who are currently fighting the disease, those who battled valiantly and won, and most especially the children who have sadly passed.

“We remember all of you,

? Ms Clarke added.

“We are your voice, and we will shine a light on your bravery.

?

?¢ For more information on the campaign, visit www.lightitupgold.ie or www.facebook.com/lightitupgold