Jemima Leydon is a Childhood Cancer Ambassador, who is courageously willing to share her story to generate awareness of childhood cancer, and the impact a diagnosis can have on the entire family.
Jemima was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the unbelievable age of just five years old.
Jemima had been complaining of a sore stomach at dinner and when her mum reached across to feel her stomach, she discovered an unusual bump. After consulting with their neighbour, who was a GP, Jemima had an ultrasound the following morning.
That same day, Jemima was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was rushed into radical surgery.
That’s how quick a cancer diagnosis can be.
The Childhood Cancer Association supported the Leydon family from the moment Jemima came out of surgery at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and during her consequential four rounds of chemotherapy.
To this day, Jemima still has her Elliot toy dog, which was given to her as she began her recovery on the ward. He stayed by her side during chemo treatments and accompanied her to all her medical appointments.
Jemima knows first-hand how a childhood cancer diagnosis never affects just the child, as it has had a huge impact on her family.
Understandably, the Leydon family were devastated by her shock diagnosis. However, support from the Childhood Cancer Association eased the experience for her parents and her younger brother.
After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020 at the age of 19, she gained a new perspective on her childhood experience, as she was old enough to fully understand the effect of her diagnosis on family and friends.
This second diagnosis has only increased her gratitude to the Childhood Cancer Association who were there for her family 15 years ago when they needed it most.
She believes that her childhood cancer experience has shaped, but does not define, the person that she is today.
It is Jemima's hope to use her childhood cancer experience to help others and assist the Childhood Cancer Association in supporting other families affected by childhood cancer.
You can support families just like Jemima’s by donating and becoming a Childhood Champion today.