Seancasey lives with his mum Ciara, dad Fran and sister Dakota. He was diagnosed with cancer on the 18th of October 2023. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, his family are sharing their experience to raise awareness and vital funds in support of other families like theirs.

Seancasey’s journey began on the 18^th October 2023 with a sudden diagnosis of a brain tumour in Antrim Area Hospital. After further evaluations, including a CT scan and MRI, he was immediately transferred to The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and scheduled for brain surgery. Seancasey was in surgery for 9 hours and remained in intensive care recovery for 3 days before being moved to the Paul Ward for further medical support. He was discharged on the 22^nd November.

We had to wait for Great Ormond Street Hospital to confirm the type of tumour Seancasey had before medical professionals could decide on a treatment plan and this took a few weeks. We found out that Seancasey had a CNS neuroblastoma FoxR2 tumour, that it was very rare and that only 100 cases had been recorded worldwide.

It was decided that Seancasey would receive proton beam radiotherapy on his head and spine and this would need to be done in Manchester in The Christie Hospital across 6 weeks. This started on the 2^nd January 2024 and on the 9^th February, Seancasey finished this stage of his treatment and rang the hospital bell, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

After this, we returned home and Seancasey started chemotherapy in The Royal. He received 8 cycles of treatment and finished that in November.

Throughout all this heavy treatment, Seancasey continued to do his physiotherapy exercises which was amazing. He also managed his first week as a Year 8 in St Mary’s Grammar School which made us all so proud. Despite how challenging his journey was for him, Seancasey showed remarkable strength, determination and courage. He never gave up, even when the treatment made him experience sickness and fatigue. He always had a smile and a fighting spirit.

Seancasey now has a right-side weakness in his arm and leg as during surgery, they had to go deeper to ensure the maximum removal of his tumour but despite this he’s doing great. He’s due to start school in the next few weeks and is really looking forward to it. He also loves getting back into his one to one football training at our local club.

Seancasey will continue to be monitored closely by his medical specialist team in the Children’s Hospital, who have looked after him since his diagnosis. He will also continue to have MRIs every 3 months for the next 2 years. After this, the medical team will gradually extend the gaps between scans for a 5 year period. His journey will still continue with his OT and physio professionals who have been absolutely amazing in all their support and care.

We are deeply grateful to Cancer Fund for Children, who have supported Seancasey and our family from the beginning. Their care has been invaluable. Our Cancer Support Specialist was always just a phone call away and home visits were never a problem. Their support made a real difference to us as a family during the most challenging times.

Cancer Fund for Children offers incredible support to children, young people, and families affected by cancer. We are truly thankful for everything they have done for us.

You can help them be there for more families who need them by donating this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Donate today!