Brain Tumour and Teenage Years - Freya & Emma Fitzpatrick

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.

May is brain tumour awareness month.

Brain tumours are the second most common cause of cancer in children in Ireland.

Like a lot of childhood cancers, the symptoms can be varied and can be similar to other childhood illnesses.

Always speak to your GP about any unusual signs and symptoms your child is experiencing.

In this episode I’m joined by 18 yr old Freya Fitzpatrick and her mum Emma.

Freya was first diagnosed with medula-blastoma, a brain tumour in March 2018 when she was 12.

She has gone through surgery and numerous rounds of chemo and radiotherapy but her cancer returned in 2022.

We talk a lot about transitions.

The impact of a diagnosis at 12 and missing 1st year.

The impact of a second diagnosis at 16 when her independence should have been taking off.

And the impact of transitioning out of crumlin and childrens care and being treated as an adult in the health system.

With some honesty and words of wisdom for other teens going through this.

To help us to continue our services please text GOLD to FIVE ZERO THREE ZERO ZERO and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

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