Keiran lights up everyone around him, especially his parents, Liz and Jeff. At three years old, he tries his best to keep up with his older sister, Rebecca - sometimes falling behind, but never quitting! With a love of dinosaurs, movies, pizza and superheroes, he is an energetic little brother. But, just over a year ago, the family’s life changed dramatically after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Pediatric cancer is the last thing on the minds of parents with young children and when Keiran first got sick, Liz and Jeff didn’t initially think that it was anything too serious. A trip to the doctor suggested a likely ear infection, and recommended antibiotics. But then this typical situation quickly turned into a much scarier reality.
A few days later, Liz found a lump on the side of Keiran’s stomach. Jeff brought Keiran to their local emergency room, and within 90 minutes they were in an ambulance on their way to Children’s Hospital in London.
Just after his second birthday, Keiran was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma - a rare form of liver cancer.
“The diagnosis was overwhelming,” says Liz. But within hours of hearing it, Renee, Childcan’s Family Support Lead and a parent who has experienced the journey of childhood cancer, was at their side. “When you hear this news and someone who understands is there for you, it really means a lot,” Liz explains.
From that moment of diagnosis, through each surgery, and to this day, Childcan has continually been there for Keiran, Liz, Jeff, and Rebecca. They have never stopped working to ensure that all of the resources, support, and care were in the family’s corner. It’s just what Childcan does. When families face the world-shattering crisis that is childhood cancer, Childcan steps in providing personalized services based on the needs of the family, every time.
“Things that aren’t stressful in normal life are much different when you are in the hospital with your child. But Renee, as a parent who has been through this, has so much patience. She knows what to say every time - the emotional support was far greater than anything else.” says Jeff. After you hear the diagnosis, Childcan is there. When you are waiting for the result of the surgery, Childcan is there. When you simply need someone to understand, Childcan is there.
Keiran's battle with cancer has been intense. After three surgeries in just over a year, the most recent taking place in June of 2020, he continues to fight. Thanks to Childcan’s ongoing personalized support, Liz, Jeff, and Rebecca are able to remain firmly behind him every step of the way.