Supporting Organisations

 

We recognize that the lives of a youngster and their family will, in many respects, change altogether following diagnosis of a brain tumour.  Precisely how those lives change will be affected by all sorts of individuals, organisations and charities.

 

The number of people who do amazing work in all manner of care, treatment and support is truly incalculable.  We would like to introduce and highlight to you some of those bodies to whom we are proud to support.

 

Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey.

We would like to support Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey as they gave us a lifeline when it was needed the most.  

Whilst Isabelle was having treatement the family stayed at "Mac House" in the order of 120 nights.  This facility provided us somewhere safe to rest, a place of respite away from the ward and most importantly we were on site all together as a family in those early days when Isabelle's condition changed hour to hour following her brain surgery.  We could not be more thankful for all that they offer and we would like to facilitate in Mac House continuing to provide the service that they do to many many more families in the future.  

To find out more visit www.machousealderhey.org.uk

 

Beads of Courage program on the Oncology unit at Alder Hey

We have supported the Beads of Courage scheme at Alder Hey Oncology Unit, Liverpool and supported the launch of the scheme in Cardiff. It is a truly special and unique way of telling each child's story.  The Beads of Courage program is run in the UK through the "Be Child Cancer Aware" Charity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are Isabelle's Beads of Courage, there are hundreds of beads and some represent 100 beads. Each one tells a story and represents a stage in her journey. We all have our favourite but unanimously agree that the most special one is the big Purple Heart, this represents Isabelle completing her treatment.

 

 for more information.

Hope House Children's Hospice

Hope House a voluntary funded organisation, providing specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, young people and young adults from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.  In particuar, we used the counselling support services, which can be extending to the whole family.  This is offered to all families from diagnosis, throughout the lifetime of the child and beyond.

The mental strain which can effect a family, who are going through the anguish of brain tumour diagnosis and treatment can be very damaging.  Talking though the individual emotions and feelings can be a welcome release and a way of comprehending the challenges ahead.

 

Their website gives more information on the services on offer http://www.hopehouse.org.uk

Neurosurgery - Paediatric Neurosurgery

The Neurosurgical Unit at Alder Hey provides surgical treatment for brain and spine disorders both nationally and internationally for children up to the age of 18. The unit performs around 500 surgeries per year and sees almost 4000 out-patients.

The Neurosurgical Ward (NSW) is a 16 bedded unit, of which six beds can accommodate children requiring High Dependency care.

Isabelle had intra-operative MRI during her surgery for the removal of the brain tumour, which is the first unit of its kind dedicated to paediatrics in Europe. Alongside this and the skills of the world class surgeons Miss Pettorini and Mr Mallucci, it has given her the best possible chance of a healthy future and an increased quality of life.

Funding research is one of the core objectives of the foundation, as we have first hand knowledge of the benefits advance technology can bring.

 

For more detailed information on the department and the 3-Tesla MRI scanner please click here...

http://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/departments/neurosurgery/

Alder Hey