Personal Stories
A growing collection of individual neuroblastoma experiences and perspectives as told by the families, friends and carers most closely affected.
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Maria was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in March 2019 at 13-years-old and after three years of treatment sadly died in 2022. Her mum, Leyla, shares her story…
Harper was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma at just one-year-old in 2023. Despite a relapse scare and some side effects from her treatment, two years on from her diagnosis Harper has no evidence of disease (NED) and is about to start nursery. Harper's mum Jenny shares her story…
Hayley has kindly shared a heart-warming story about her son, Alex, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of two. Alex’s story demonstrates just how important treatments and research can be for the lives of children with neuroblastoma and their families.
Demie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was just 6 years old, 20 years on she is a Paediatric Intensive Care Nurse in London and has been in remission for over 18 years. Demie shares her story for International Cancer Survivors Day…
For International Sibling Day we spoke with Rebecca, who lost her sister Heidi to Neuroblastoma in 2000. 25 years later, Rebecca reflects on her experience of watching her sister battle neuroblastoma and how it has motivated her to start fundraising. Rebecca share’s their story here…
Apollonia (Apple) was diagnosed with stage four, high risk neuroblastoma on 9th August 2021. She has been in remission since November 2022 and is a happy, healthy six year old. “Thanks to the research funded by Neuroblastoma UK, our Apple has a chance now.” Anthea, Apple’s mum, shares their story.
George, aged three, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in April 2020.
“When George was diagnosed, it really helped to read positive stories so I hope our story helps other families like ours to see it’s not all doom and gloom.” His mum Roxanne shares their story.
Niamh, now 25 years old, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was 15.
In 2020, her cancer returned and she is once more undergoing treatment. She’s currently on a research drug trial but is doing well. This is her story.
Just weeks before her 2nd birthday, Beth was diagnosed with stage four high risk neuroblastoma.
But two years after her initial diagnosis and being clear of her cancer for six months, Beth relapsed twice. On Christmas Eve 2019, Beth quietly passed away. She was five years old.
Jill, Beth’s mummy shares their story.
Robert’s daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in December 1999 when she was seven years old - and sadly passed away a few years later at the age of 11. Nearly 20 years on since his loss, Robert remembers Sarah and shares her story here…
At age 9 Violet told her mum that she had a monster in her tummy, prompting her mum Laura to seek medical support. After an ultrasound it was discovered Violet had neuroblastoma. Now having reached NEAD (no evidence of active disease) Laura reflects on the last year and the fears she still carries for her daughter’s health.
Max started chemotherapy on his 2nd birthday, after suffering with ‘dancing eye syndrome’ as a result of a neuroblastoma. Now turning 3 he has finished treatment and is awaiting results - having also raised over £10,000 for Neuroblastoma UK.
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.
Donna had a feeling there was something seriously wrong with her daughter, Sophie, but it took several visits to the doctor before she was finally diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of six months. Now aged four, Sophie is doing well and looking forward to starting school in September. Donna shares her story here…
Rory was diagnosed with stage 4s neuroblastoma when she was just two weeks old and was given a 30% chance of survival. She not only had to fight cancer, but sepsis too. In May 2024 Rory rang the bell and has officially been declared cancer free, ready to start school this August.
Christopher was 36 years old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma for the first time. He talks about the isolation of having a cancer predominantly diagnosed in children, as well as his efforts to live each day as it comes.
25-year-old Charlotte was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma when she was just 12 weeks old. This summer, she will be representing Team GB, playing basketball in the Paralympic Games in Paris. Charlotte shares her story here…
Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2010 and sadly passed away in January 2013 when he was five-years-old. Alex’s dad, Ben, shares his story…
George, aged three, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in April 2020.
“When George was diagnosed, it really helped to read positive stories so I hope our story helps other families like ours to see it’s not all doom and gloom.” His mum Roxanne shares their story.
Carolyn is supporting Neuroblastoma UK by taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2024 in memory of her son, Matthew, who sadly passed away in November 2022 at the age of two and a half. She shares Matthew’s story here…
Niamh, now 25 years old, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was 15.
In 2020, her cancer returned and she is once more undergoing treatment. She’s currently on a research drug trial but is doing well. This is her story.
Aurora employee, Jody, nominated Neuroblastoma UK to be one of the company’s charity partners for this year, after sadly losing her six-month-old daughter, Ellie, to neuroblastoma in 2011. Jody shares her story here…
When Ari was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 13, it came as a huge shock. She had never experienced any symptoms. Now, a year on since her diagnosis - and as part of Teenage And Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month - her mum, Mattea, shares her story…
Grace was diagnosed with neuroblastoma two weeks after her 16th birthday in May 2021. Now 18, she has recently finished treatment and is training to be a paediatric nurse. Grace shares her story to mark Teenage And Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month…
Harper was a year old when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in April 2023. A year on since her diagnosis, her family are hopeful that, with further treatment, Harper will remain healthy and happy. Harper’s mum, Jenny, shares her story here…
On this important day, we would like to share with you a story about a beautiful little boy, Spencer, who sadly passed away in 2007 from neuroblastoma. Spencer’s mum, Amanda, has kindly shared this story to help raise awareness about the drastic need for new, more effective and less punishing treatments for neuroblastoma.
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.
Zahra was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was just two weeks old. Now 21, she recently graduated with a law degree! This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Zahra shares her story to help other families currently experiencing neuroblastoma. “If my story can offer solace, inspiration, or guidance to just one person or family, I find immense fulfilment in knowing that my experiences have made a positive impact. “
Reggie was diagnosed with stage three neuroblastoma in November 2020 after he became unwell with a high temperature and constipation. Doctors initially suspected a tummy bug or appendicitis. But a scan revealed a tumour attached to his adrenal gland. Just one month after he rang the end of treatment bell in June 2021, Reggie relapsed. He sadly passed away on 17th July 2021. Reggie’s mum Jo shares their story.
Tilly was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in November 2021 and sadly passed away in September 2022 at the age of four. Tilly’s dad, Jonathan, shares her story here…