Kylen’s story: specialist social worker support was “absolutely phenomenal”

Kylen was diagnosed with leukaemia in June 2024, when he was just two and a half years old. His doctors estimate that his cancer treatment could last another two years. That’s a daunting prospect for anyone, but Kylen’s mum Flo takes great comfort from knowing that, thanks to supporters like you, Young Lives vs Cancer will be there for the family every step of the way.

"The support our family has received has been absolutely phenomenal."

Flo and her husband Daniel were completely floored when a consultant gave them the diagnosis:

“I felt the blood drain out of me. I looked at my husband Daniel’s face, and I’d never seen him so sad. I remember thinking: ‘This is it. This is real.’”

Since then, Kylen has endured chemotherapy treatment, both in the hospital and at home, as well as many operations. His weakened immune system means he can no longer go out to enjoy things like soft play, which was his favourite. Some days he hasn’t got much strength, but on others he can still be his boisterous old self, running around the house.

Like so many parents, Flo and Daniel had no idea that their child’s cancer would change every aspect of their lives and bring with it so much admin. Flo was self-employed, so her income stopped overnight as she cared for Kylen. At the same time, expensive congestion and parking charges in London could cost up to £45 a day.

“Within a week of Kylen being diagnosed we were drowning in paperwork. We didn’t know how we were going to manage financially or what we could do about it.”

Thanks to supporters like you, Young Lives vs Cancer’s Specialist Social Workers have been a lifeline.

“From the moment I spoke to our specialist social worker Rebekah, she’s been so caring and understanding. She helped me get Disability Living Allowance, which has been crucial. There was a 72-page form to fill in and I was so exhausted that I didn’t even know where to start. But Rebekah was so patient, taking me through everything and ensuring I got the help I needed to apply.

“The Young Lives vs Cancer team were like my brain, thinking about all the things I couldn’t because all I could think about was him. I don’t know how our family would have got through all this without them.”

Thankfully, Kylen has been responding well to treatment and, while there’s still a long way to go, Flo is feeling really positive. She has a special message for Young Lives vs Cancer supporters:

“Without your donations, we wouldn’t have had the specialist social workers with us during Kylen’s treatment. They’ve helped make it that little bit easier to bear, so thank you, thank you so much.”

Find out more about the work of our Young Lives vs Cancer specialist social workers

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£25 could mean a Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Worker can provide an hour of emotional and practical support to a family like Kylen’s.

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Author: lizzie.wrobel

Posted on Wednesday 15 January 2025

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