The 80% survival rate for childhood cancer touted by governments and high profile cancer charities feels like a lie to childhood cancer survivors and their families and Rachel’s story tells why. This happens more often than not. The more I hear of medical issues most [as in 98% of] survivors face I feel a twinge of gratefulness that Bronwyn’s only issue is a heart transplant. If the only price she has to pay for cancer is an operation then she will be fine. Logically I know my optimism is naive. The majority of side effects from childhood cancer, called late effects for a reason, happen years later.

Rachel had a few good years before her effects took hold. We have to be thankful for every year, every day, of “good” that we have.

This is why better treatments are needed. Since Rachel’s treatment hardly anything has changed in childhood cancer treatment. Rachel tells the story of so many survivors. This is not the future I want for my child, for your child, for ANY child.

Please click and read: Rachel’s Story as a Childhood Cancer Survivor