Podcast
Gold Ribbon Conversations
Hosted by Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland · ENGLISH
Six children, adolescents and young adults are diagnosed with cancer every week in Ireland.
Created by Childhood Cancer Ireland, Gold Ribbon Conversations is the podcast that explores the real experiences of childhood cancer, the fear, anxiety, sadness and pain.
But also the light, hope, friendships and the community that exists here.
Hosted by Sinead O'Moore, these episodes will share personal stories, early symptoms, moments of diagnosis, the impact of treatment, survivorship and bereavement, as well as hearing from physical and emotional experts in this field.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Gold Ribbon Conversations is just one way that Childhood Cancer Ireland are supporting families fighting cancer.
To donate text GOLD to 50300 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
90episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Survivorship, from leukaemia to advocacy - Ashleigh Kiernan
4d ago00:44:53Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.This week we meet 23 year old Ashleigh Kiernan who works at Barretstown, is starting her masters in September, and fought leukaemia at just 7 years old. She remembers quite a lot from treatment including her parents telling her and the fears she had. But she didn't let anything stop her living during treatment, and that summer was the first time she went to Barretstown and made a promise to herself to return as an adult to work here helping children and to advocate for survivorship services. When she was 11 she started advocacy work through Crumlin's youth advisory group. she is now a member of YPAG - the young person's advisory group bringing the voices of young people into research.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.
Transcribe →Brain Tumour Awareness - Rio's Story with Melanie O'Sullivan
3w ago01:05:16Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.May is brain tumour awareness month. Brain tumours are the second most common cause of cancer in children in Ireland. Always speak to your GP about any unusual signs and symptoms your child is experiencing.We are joined by Melanie O'Sullivan mum to Rio who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2024. And is doing really well.The family have all leaned on support services, charities, ways to keep spirits bright throughout their time including play therapy provided by Childhood Cancer Ireland. And while this story will never leave them it is proof that there is so much hope and treatment available for a brain tumour diagnosis. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or link in bio.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.
Transcribe →Gone Too Soon: Baby Willow with Mammy Elaine O'Brien
Apr 2001:05:57Tap to summarizeGold 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 insurance, how they honour Willows life and the choices they made in the days they had with her.You’ll find more information on Childhood Cancer Ireland’s bereavement supports on childhoodcancer.iePlease 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.
Transcribe →Sarcoma Amputation Gave Me My Life Back - Harry Greaney
Apr 600:37:43Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.This episode marks Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week.To share his story and raise awareness we are joined by Personal Trainer, Cancer survivor and right arm amputee Harry Greaney - and incredible young man from Galway who was diagnosed with a type of sarcoma in his arm when he was 19. Harry’s treatment began with surgery, radiation and chemo. But the pain in his arm returned, but because the odds of recurrence was low, he was dismissed and told to take anti-inflammatories. At this age, Harry could easily have not advocated for himself but he pushed hard when he wasn’t being listened to and he was right, the cancer had returned.Harry’s cancer was aggressive. More radiation, more surgery, more pain and the tumour kept growing back. And the decision was made to amputate his arm 9 months ago. A decision which felt liberating - not limiting for Harry. He could return to fitness training, competing and move forward with his life knowing the cancer was removed. And while this story is incredibly inspiring, he talks about how there are still hurdles to overcome living with a disability in this country and what needs to be done to better support AYA cancer patients during and after treatment. 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.
Transcribe →Wilm's Tumour Awareness - Kevin Price
Mar 2300:41:16Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.An average of 10 children are diagnosed with kidney cancer in Ireland each year. Over 90% of these cases are Wilm's tumour which is what we are here to talk about today with my guest Kevin Price. Kevin’s 7 year old daughter Hayleigh was diagnosed with bilateral Wilm's Tumour in 2025. Bilateral meaning there was a tumour on both kidneys, which is more unusual.Kevin and Hayleigh’s mother Leanne noticed Halyey was losing a lot of weight, no energy and during the summer noticed a mass on her abdomen. Which led to her diagnosis, treatment, surgery and a final chemo date on the calendar. And Hayleigh didn’t go through this alone. She has always had the support of her twin sister Hannah, big brother Jack and a special friend called Monkey in a Chair, an initiative being ran by the hospital school in Crumlin to help children feel connected to the classroom even on the days they can’t attend. We talk about the road to diagnosis, the power of play therapy and the support their family continues to lean on and as parents how to figure out what each child needs as they go through such worry and separation. 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.
Transcribe →Life After Hodgkins Lymphoma - Emma Cowley
Mar 900:47:06Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.Joining us this week is Emma Cowley who ten years ago at 22 was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. As a young adult survivor we talk about her experience and the impact her cancer had on her approach to life, her identity, her career now, fertility and the improvements that could be made to better support young adults fighting cancer. We talk about not wanting to be identified as the sick one, to stay plugged into life, how it’s allowed her to not let life’s small things bother her and how its not easy being diagnosed at this age when you are caught between needing to be looked after but being treated in adult wards. But for anyone at the start of this fight - this conversation will give you positivity and great hope. 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.
Transcribe →Maintenance Phase: What more parents fighting childhood cancer should know - Caroline Murphy
Feb 1601:10:54Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.We are joined by Caroline Murphy as she shares her daughter Amelias story of childhood cancer. Last June Amelia who is 9 was diagnosed with Leukemia and has just started maintenance phase of treatment. Here we talk about those early signs and symptoms and the pace that life moves at once diagnosed. But also how hard it is on the family unit to process it all, to be apart from each other and how maintenance is not a walk in the park.We all process trauma differently and Caroline shares with courage the times she was able to stay calm and together and the times where her mental health was truly challenged - and the supports she needs to stay mentally strong while existing in fight or flight.But it’s also an episode of hope and gratitude. Amelia is doing really well and with a garda escort no less returned to school recently and with her beads of courage is showing the world how brave she is. 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.
Transcribe →Returning to Eduction after Serious Illness - Angela Cummins
Feb 300:45:15Tap to summarizeGold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer.In this week’s episode we talk to special education teacher Angela Cummins.While Angela is well known for her work in the area of Special Education through parent and teacher courses, events and workshops, she also has been a mother in the fight against childhood cancer. As a primary school teacher currently studying for her Phd Angela is passionate about supporting children who are neurodiverse and those with serious illness. Angela's daughter Lucy was diagnosed with cancer when she was in primary school over 10 years ago.She understands both sides, mother and teacher and the caution around reintegrating a child back in to the school environment after a serious illness. It’s this personal and professional understanding that has motivated her to develop education for schools on how to best support the family - as there is very little support for teachers in this area. Here we talk about how the transition back to school is not easy on the parent, the child or the teacher but when done with care and appropriate expectations it can lead to a positive reintegration and make this stage of life so much better for any child who finds returning to school challenging. JOIN US FOR OUR CHILDHOOD CANCER IRELAND EVENT WITH ANGELA CUMMINSNavigating Primary School During TreatmentTuesday 24th February at 7pmhttps://childhoodcancerie.beaconforms.com/form/26794768For more information on her upcoming workshops.https://dwec.ie/index.php?option=com_eventbooking&view=event&id=2803www.angelacummins.iePTSB COMMUNITY PARTNERS - VOTE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER IRELANDWe have great news! Childhood Cancer Ireland has been shortlisted as one of PTSB’s Community partners for 2026. We don't receive any Government funding so this partnership would make a huge difference and help us to support more families fighting childhood cancer. But to secure the partnership - we need your vote.Vote at ptsb.ie/community today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Psychosocial Supports: What more do our AYA patients need? - Aileen O'Dwyer
Jan 1900:49:11Tap to summarizeGold 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.
Transcribe →Hope after Neuroblastoma - Lawrence Kiernan
Dec 801:00:54Tap to summarizeGold 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.
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