“Isobel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of 2. Her diagnosis was a complete shock to us all…”
“Isobel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of 2. Her diagnosis was a complete shock to us all, as although she was pale and a bit off her food she hadn’t been unwell. Our fabulous GP noticed something didn’t look right and sent us to the LGI where, 6 hours later, we were told the news that changed our lives forever. In utter disbelief she was admitted straight onto the children’s Oncology ward where she stayed for 5 initial weeks. This is where Isobel was introduced to her wonderful Chemo Duck!”
“Chemo Duck went everywhere with Isobel; into Theatre, for x-rays, scans, and on clinic days. She loved collecting her stamps so that she could get another new outfit for him/her (Chemo Duck took on many different guises!) Every time she had a plaster, an NG tube replaced, a blood test, a bandage, some chemo, an x-ray or scan and general anaesthetics, he would get the same! The play-leaders explained to Isobel what would happen by showing her on Chemo Duck first, and then she would play, repeating the procedures. We know how much this helped her to understand what was happening and Chemo Duck was a constant companion. Such a wonderfully simple idea but so powerful in giving comfort through a really traumatic time.” – Julia, Mum
First photo – day of Isobel’s diagnosis in hospital
Family photo – September 2020, 7 years later
The aim for Give A Duck is for every child diagnosed with cancer in the UK to receive a Chemo Duck and their sibling/s a Huggable Hope.
Could you help Give A Duck?
Make a one off donation or regular donation here: https://www.giveaduck.org.uk/donate/
