Gold Ribbon Conversations

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

In this week’s episode we talk to special education teacher Angela Cummins.
While Angela is well known for her work in the area of Special Education through parent and teacher courses, events and workshops, she also has been a mother in the fight against childhood cancer.
As a primary school teacher currently studying for her Phd Angela is passionate about supporting children who are neurodiverse and those with serious illness.

Angela's daughter Lucy was diagnosed with cancer when she was in primary school over 10 years ago.
She understands both sides, mother and teacher and the caution around reintegrating a child back in to the school environment after a serious illness.
It’s this personal and professional understanding that has motivated her to develop education for schools on how to best support the family - as there is very little support for teachers in this area.

Here we talk about how the transition back to school is not easy on the parent, the child or the teacher but when done with care and appropriate expectations it can lead to a positive reintegration and make this stage of life so much better for any child who finds returning to school challenging.

JOIN US FOR OUR CHILDHOOD CANCER IRELAND EVENT WITH ANGELA CUMMINS
Navigating Primary School During Treatment
Tuesday 24th February at 7pm
https://childhoodcancerie.beaconforms.com/form/26794768

For more information on her upcoming workshops.
https://dwec.ie/index.php?option=com_eventbooking&view=event&id=2803
www.angelacummins.ie

PTSB COMMUNITY PARTNERS - VOTE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER IRELAND
We have great news!
Childhood Cancer Ireland has been shortlisted as one of PTSB’s Community partners for 2026. We don't receive any Government funding so this partnership would make a huge difference and help us to support more families fighting childhood cancer.
But to secure the partnership - we need your vote.
Vote at ptsb.ie/community today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

To begin our 2026 season of Gold Ribbon conversations we are joined by Aileen O’Dwyer, a parent of a survivor and a researcher into childhood and adolescent cancer in Ulster University.

In 2022, Aileen's daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma at 15.
At the time, Aileen was studying psychology and her study became influenced by seeing the absence of supports for families and patients - which today is at the heart of her phd research - an all island study that explores the psychosocial impact of an adolescent young adult cancer diagnosis with the goal to understand and influence the social supports this age group receives.

We talk about Phoebe’s symptoms, diagnosis and thankfully recovery.
The impact on their family and how at times it has been challenging to balance the immersion into her research and their real life.
But it’s by partnering with Phoebe throughout her treatment, recovery and life after cancer that keeps Aileen’s motivation and determination going to - realise the services that were needed for her daughter and for every family fighting adolescent and young adult cancer today.

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.
Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

For our final episode of 2025, we are joined by Lawrence Kiernan whose 18 month old son LJ became unwell and was taken to hospital on Christmas eve 2 years ago. That Christmas, LJ was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Thankfully through diagnosis, ICU, surgery, chemo, life support and 18 months of treatment, LJ now 3 and a half is looking forward to celebrating a very different Christmas this year in remission.

We talk about what led to that diagnosis, the shock and having to accept for some questions like WHY there are no answers, how important it is as parents to build trust with your team while advocating at every step for the child you know better than anyone.
What they leant upon on those dark days and the gratitude they have that despite everything that has been thrown at their little boy - he is here, they are together and full of hope for the years ahead.

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.
Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

This episode discusses the loss of a child to cancer.
While this conversation is essential for families who have experienced this grief, it may be understandably upsetting and so we encourage you to protect your emotional wellbeing.

You’ll find more information on Childhood Cancer Ireland’s bereavement supports in the show notes and on childhoodcancer.ie

Today I’m joined by Eimear and Alan, parents of Keeley Durnan.
Keeley was diagnosed with DIPG a terminal brain tumour and who tragically passed away in July 2023.

Alan and Eimear set up the Keeley D Foundation to support other families with a child being treated for a terminal illness in a pallative care environment. As a family they have experienced the depths of this grief and are determined to help any family going through similar and using their voice to fight for more access to palliative care. For more information visit - https://www.keeleydfoundation.ie/

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.
Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Joining me today is Ciara, a young woman diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last year when she was 23.
Ciara finished her treatment just over 6 months ago and the road ahead is bright.

We talk about how important it is to react when we notice something different in our bodies.
Ciara had no symptoms when she found a lump on her neck but she didn’t wait and was diagnosed very quickly.

We talk about the challenges as a young adult at the start of a career path and independence and being vulnerable again, and needing more help than anyone might like. The fatigue, the loneliness and boredom that can come with this unwelcome life interruption.

She shares how she tried to hold on to her identity but also how ultimately a huge support was connecting with other survivors her age who understands the road she’s walking.

By joining us today she is hoping that the podcast will help people to understand what survivors go through.

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.
Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.