Gone Too Soon: Baby Willow with Mammy Elaine O'Brien

About this episode

This episode discusses the heartbreaking story of baby Willow and the impact of childhood cancer on families.

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.  Just 18 days after being diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor, baby Willow passed away in June 2023 with her parents Elaine and Ross and close family members by her side. She was almost 5 months old. Gone Too Soon. Willow was distressed and refusing her bottles she had previously loved. Doctors assumed it was reflux and prescribed new formula.  But it was a tumour on her spinal cord at her neck which was found while on a family holiday in tenerife. And what followed was an emergency to get home, to get operated on and to try everything they could. But tragically they had 18 days.  We talk about the signs and symptoms and the importance to advocate for your children. The moments Elaine didnt feel listened to. And the care that wrapped around them in Crumlin. But also very practical things like the importance of the small print on travel…

People in this episode

Guest: Elaine O'Brien

Topics covered

• childhood cancer
• grief
• bereavement
• parenting
• healthcare advocacy

Keywords

• childhood cancer
• bereavement
• malignant rhabdoid tumor
• parenting
• healthcare
• emotional wellbeing
• travel insurance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland, Childhood Cancer Ireland

Places: Tenerife

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