WHO WE ARE
WHO WE WORK WITH
WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA CANCER?
We are ordinary people trying to do an extraordinary thing and that is to try help save someones life. It is something we feel strongly about is something we want everyone to participate in.
We are not paid charity event organisers and we do not personally handle any of the money ourselves. Donations will be through a legitimate charity (Charity No. 1135974) via the JustGiving website and there is no personal gain from the Bandana Day events.
All we do is just sacrifice some of our free time to help others. All we ask is that you do the same.
WHO WE WORK WITH
We began as supporters of The Stacey Mowle Appeal but were so moved by Stacey's story that we wanted to do more. Now we work closely with The Stacey Mowle Appeal and have their full support with the fundraising we do for them.
The Stacey Mowle Appeal is supported via the registered Charity Families Against Neuroblastoma (Charity Number 1135974 ). All money is kept securely by the Charity and will only be released for treatment. Should Stacey not need this money her parents will decide either it go to another child in the Charity or towards research into Neuroblastoma.
WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA CANCER?
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in the first year of life and accounts for around 15% of cancer deaths in children.
- Approximately 100 new cases of neuroblastoma diagnosed every year in the UK
- Of these babies and children, around 50 - approximately half - will have high risk disease
- The long term survival rate for high risk neuroblastoma patients remains less than 40%
Neuroblastoma is the commonest 'solid' cancer diagnosed in babies and children. Neuroblastoma often occurs in the abdomen, usually from the adrenal glands, which are above the kidneys.
Other places it may occur are in the back of the abdomen beside the spine, at the back of the chest and the neck. Neuroblastoma can spread to other parts of the body like the liver, bones and bone marrow, lungs, skin and brain.
Sometimes no symptoms are present at the time of diagnosis, and neuroblastoma is the chance finding in a medical examination of a well baby. The first symptoms of neuroblastoma may be related to the presence of a primary tumour, which depends upon its location.
Tumours situated in the abdomen may cause a swollen belly, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea. A tumour in the chest may cause breathing problems, often similar to a chest infection. A tumour resting on the spinal cord may cause weakness or difficulty walking.
Sometimes neuroblastoma is diagnosed a result of symptoms caused when it has spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic disease. These symptoms are often vague and can include fatigue and loss of appetite. Some children experience bone pain, some may have unexplained 'black eyes' or bulging eyes.Many of these symptoms are similar to those of other more common illnesses. Unless a parent or doctor discovers a lump, a diagnosis of neuroblastoma may not be initially considered. Neuroblastoma may occur at any age. It may be present at birth, or even be diagnosed on a scan during pregnancy.
Most patients are of pre-school age, the average age for diagnosis of children affected by neuroblastoma is two years old. Neuroblastoma can also occur in older children and teenagers, or very rarely, in adults.
