Helen was first diagnosed with
Neuroblastoma in April 1999 when she was four. She endured chemotherapy
and surgery before being pronounced in remission in November 1999. In
December she had a stem cell transplant, which meant Christmas and the New Year
were spent in hospital. After this she returned to a more normal life,
with regular check ups.
Helen in 2001 after treatment
In October 2002, aged 7, the disease
returned. She fought bravely for some time, but options for treatment were
limited and a cure non existent. Over the year Helen had several doses of
Radiotherapy as well as oral chemotherapy and spinal surgery to keep the disease
at bay. However it was clear during the summer that the disease had spread
to her bone marrow and her blood counts were compromised.
In September, now knowing the disease had
the upper hand and she would die, she chose not to have any further blood
transfusions. She died at home in early October 2003.
