Psychosocial Supports: What more do our AYA patients need? - Aileen O'Dwyer

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.ieToday 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.Today we are joined by parents Jonny and Laura.Their daughter Saoirse Fearon was recently diagnosed with Adrenocortical carcinoma when she was 3 after they shared some concerns with a public health nurse visiting her new baby brother.  It’s an extremely rare cancer, 1 in every 6 million people in the world have been diagnosed.There is a genetic component to this cancer and so Laura and Jonny were tested and it was discovered that Laura and Saoirse have Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) a rare hereditary disorder that increases the risk you will develop cancer - and for women there is 100% chance of breast cancer. This is a lot for one family to handle & while it's such an alarming story they share it with huge hope, strength & love.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.Joining me this week is Professor Jonathan Bond, a UCD Professor of Paediatric Molecular Haemato-Oncology and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Children's Health Ireland Crumlin.Throughout his career Jonathon has seen huge advances through research. He attended the Institute of Child Health in the UK and was a full time researcher in France for 6 years, looking at genetics in leukaemia. Today we are so fortunate to have his knowledge with Systems Biology Ireland in UCD.Here we talk about the latest advancements in fighting cancer, turning information into knowledge, minimising after affects and looking at treatments at an individual level supported by AI. This episode offers hope and deep gratitude to the people who have dedicated their careers to finding answers, advancements and treatments that save lives.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.In this episode I’m joined by Neil Hoey, an irish amputee footballer who shares his story of losing his leg to cancer to seeing how life’s challenges can open new doors, experiences and goals. Neil is 25 and was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in childhood.Unfortunately treatment alone wasn’t going to save Neil’s life and the difficult decision to amputate his leg had to me made.  Throughout it all his family and friends didn’t allow him to pause his confidence - but instead pushed him at every opportunity to take pride in his independence. Neil is healthy, happy, in a great place in his career and relationships. He is the Senior International and National League Amputee Football player of the Year and nominated for the FAIreland International Awards. Neil is fully deserving of this accolade for his hard work and commitment to the IAFA.This episode is incredibly positive given all Neil has been through and will absolutely give encouragement and hope to anyone going through a similar story. 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.No family ever expects a Childhood Cancer diagnosis to arrive at their door - nor do they anticipate the reality of figuring out their family finances when one or all parents have to step away from paid employment.It’s a reality for the familys we support at Childhood Cancer Ireland which is why we are so proud to partner with the LIA the Centre of Excellence for the Education and Development of Finance Professionals who volunteer their time with our financial advice programme. Joining me on this podcast is Joanne Keane, CEO of the LIA and Richard Ferris, a financial advisor and volunteer with this programme but who is also a parent who understands exactly what you are going through as his daughter Ella-May was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at just 18 months old. Here they share more about the programme which provides free expert financial advice to families fighting childhood cancer - how normal it is to not know where you stand with your personal financial policies or employer schemes and how having an expert think clearly for you in this moment is such a huge support. And Richard shares his own story as a parent in this situation - why he is giving his time to help others going through this now and gives us all so much hope as his daughter is well, life kept going and their stability returned. If you want support through the Gold Ribbon Volunteer programme click hereAre you a financial professional who wishes to join us as a volunteer email us at  [email protected] 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 in this episode is John Killilea, a childhood cancer survivor and now medical student. John was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 13 at the end of 1st year when he noticed subtle changes in his vision. His story started in the opticians but quickly took him to Beaumont for surgery, then to Crumlin for chemo and St. Luke's for radiation. Fast forward to 1st year in college and John had a benign brain tumour removed. This was in many ways more severe, even though it was benign. And the recovery again interrupted John’s life. But he found a way to medicine and is studying a graduate 4 year accelerated course in Ulster University. We talk about his experience as a teen, a young adult, his motivation to now work in medicine and his hopes for the future advancements in care for survivors. 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.In this episode I’m joined by a Ella Farrell, a young woman who is beginning to reflect on the last year and how cancer interrupted her life without warning. Ella is 21 and in December 2023 when she was in her final semester of Galway University she began to have headaches. Ella received a lot of reassurance that her headaches were nothing to worry about but after a consult with a migraine physio who identified some red flags and ordered a scan, Ella’s Grade 4 medullablastoma brain tumour was found. The trauma of this news is impossible to understand, but in Ella’s case there are many things she talks about which could have been handled differently to minimise her distress. We talk about her diagnosis, travelling to Germany for treatment, hair loss and mobility issues and figuring out what now - and how to renavigate her life in her twenties. 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.