Meet Some Extraordinary Kids

Our Extraordinary Stories

Here at the Juniors for Juniors Foundation, we have so many kids and families who have travelled through the Paediatric Ward at UHW. Their extraordinary journeys are constant reminders of why our work is so important. Get to know some of our remarkable kids and teens whose lives have been transformed through the care they received in the Paediatric Ward at UHW and now want to give something back to help those who follow in their footsteps.

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Finn's Story

Hello, my name is Finn Ryan I am 7 years old. When I was age 4 on the 17.4.2018 I got a pain in my leg and my mom took me to my GP she suddenly sent me to UHW and I ended up in the paediatric unit.

After lots of x ray examinations and blood tests my mom and dad were told that I had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and I need to go to Our lady's hospital Crumlin to have tests examinations and central line fitted and start my chemotherapy treatment immediately. After weeks in Crumlin I was sent home to continue some of my day to day treatments in the paediatric unit of UHW.

I spent a lot of my life over the last 3 years in Crumlin and UHW. I’ve had lots of hard days there and I’ve enjoyed the changes to the ward and the oncology room from local charities, my own family’s fundraising days and the Childhood cancer foundation it certainly made me smile.

I am in remission and am 3 years into my 3 and a half year treatment for my cancer. The end is in sight for me but my fight is nowhere over, cancer survivors are fighters for life and we will deal with the effects of treatment for the rest of our lives.

I will always be thankful for the doctors and nurses and staff who cared for me. They will always be my friends and my heroes. I am very excited  for what juniors for juniors are doing and the fundraising I can be part of and fun days with my family ahead. Finn xx.
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Robbie's Story

My name is Robbie Forristal and I am 9 years old. When I was 8 months old, I got sick, I went to my local hospital (UHW) University Hospital Waterford, where I spent a week on the paediatric ward, the doctors carried out a lot of tests and realised I needed to go to Crumlin. In Crumlin, I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer and NF1. In Crumlin, I received chemotherapy to shrink my tumour, surgeries to remove it, and many many painful procedures. But, unfortunately my cancer could not be cured in Ireland.

When I was 14 months old, I travelled to France with my family for life-saving surgery and brachytherapy treatment, the treatment was very aggressive, because of damage caused by the treatment, I required life changing surgery in Crumlin when I was 4 years old. When I was receiving my cancer treatment, I received shared care treatment in UHW. I spent a lot of time in the paediatric oncology room on the ward. I received wonderful care from the nurses, doctors and staff on the ward.

Since then there have been major improvements made to some of the rooms, carried out by other amazing and wonderful charities. I am delighted to get involved in Juniors for Juniors foundation, where we can raise money to make improvements for the children in all the rooms on the ward.

Today I am cancer-free, I live with life changing complications that came with my cure, however, I don’t let this stop me from living a happy and fun-filled wonderful childhood. I know first-hand what it’s like to stay in hospital for a long time, and if I can make things better for the children on the ward in my local hospital UHW today, I will. My brother Ryan and I, can’t wait to get involved in all the exciting fundraising activities that Juniors for Juniors are planning.
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Adam's Story

Adam was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in August 2016. Prior to this he had two admissions to the Paediatric Ward, UHW in 2014 with a perforated appendix and in 2015 with complications following this. By the time he was admitted to the Paediatric ward with Type 1 Diabetes, he knew all the staff and they knew him. I will never forget the kindness of those friendly faces who reassured us that everything would be ok, and it was. 

The staff in the Paediatric unit have over the years given Adam and us the best of care and attention and we are extremely grateful to the wonderful team working there.They are an important part of our life in managing Adams Diabetes and knowing that there is someone just a phone call or email away is great security. With the valuable input of his Diabetes team, nothing holds Adam back and he loves nothing more than playing sport or chilling with his dog Rio.
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Felicity's Story

Hi my name is Felicity and I'm 19 years old. In January 2013 aged 10 I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. My treatment consisted of 2 and a half years of chemotherapy in Crumlin hospital but with shared care at UHW.

I spent so much time on the paeds ward in UHW due to infections and complications but the treatment I received was amazing and the staff were fantastic. When in Crumlin my family was separated but while in paeds my little sister was able to spend all day with us. The nurses became our friends and my little sister did the Monday blood drop and would only hand my bloods to Breda Blood aka ward sister Breda!! As an older oncology kid I found the isolation so tough. We must remain in our rooms at all time. I would love to see a play room or a separate TV room where oncology or CF kids could go safely and mix like in Crumlin.

I'm so excited to be part of Junior for Juniors and see what changes can be made on the ward.