|  | | |  | Telling the story of children fighting leukaemia |
Children Fighting Cancer was a four-part documentary produced by Mentorn in collaboration with Leukaemia Research. The series was screened on BBC 1 in June and July 2007.
Olivia, 4
Olivia was diagnosed with leukaemia in June 2005 when she was two. Olivia underwent intensive treatment, which meant weeks of sickness and pain. As a result of an infection she is also blind in one eye; however she is recovering. Olivia’s identical twin sister, Isabella, is 200 times more likely than other children to develop leukaemia. So in addition to monitoring Olivia's treatment, the twins’ family have to endure three monthly hospital visits with Isabella to check whether she is developing childhood leukaemia.
For Sarah, their mother, the knowledge that both girls are contributing to research is very reassuring. Scientists funded by Leukaemia Research are monitoring the twins to discover why Olivia, but not Isabella has developed leukaemia.
“There is a real possibility that the twins will provide a valuable insight into childhood leukaemia.” - Professor Mel Greaves
Charlotte, 14
Aspiring actress Charlotte was diagnosed in 2006 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), and a rare genetic abnormality meant the outlook for her survival was poor. After taking the MRD test, it became clear that Charlotte’s only chance was to have a bone marrow transplant.
Charlotte’s mum Julie says: “Thankfully, the transplant was a big success as the donor bone marrow was a good match. Charlotte is now back at school doing work experience and is picking up her acting where she left off.”
Ellie, 6
Ellie was unwell for three months before she was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 6. She started treatment and had to put up with side effects - she put on weight, lost her hair, and became grumpy. Ellie says, “I shout at mummy and daddy. I try stopping myself but I can’t.”
Ellie’s mum Judith says: “The chemotherapy made Ellie change from being bubbly and lively to tired and listless, so it was so good to know that Ellie was only getting the treatment that she actually needed to fight the disease. We were really pleased that she was able to take part in the MRD test trial.”
“Thanks to Leukaemia Research, Ellie had less treatment and so now has a much greater chance of living a normal life with no long-term side effects.”
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