Dr Janet Chelliah
Janet started writing 'Our Family's Journey Through Disability and Cancer' 3 months after her oldest daughter Kirsty completed her chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Kirsty was only 15 years old when she was diagnosed. Kirsty also has Down Syndrome. This book will take you through the many experiences this family has been through from the time Kirsty was born. The journey hasn't always been a smooth one , especially during the years Kirsty was being treated for leukaemia. It is a book that will benefit doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and support workers involved in caring for families who have a disabled child or a child going through treatment for cancer, as well as families going through challenging times. 'Janet offers lots of practical advice, tempered with warmth and an understanding of the emotions of being a parent of a child who has Down's syndrome.' - The Down Syndrome Association UK 'I think this is an inspiring book, a celebration of Kirsty's spirit and her sibling and parents' love and resilience. It is realistic about the toll treatment took on them all and on Kirsty herself, but is honest, hopeful and I think will be helpful and inspiring to other families in a similar situation.' - CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity UKWebsite: https://listentomythoughts.comFacebook: listen2mythoughtsTwitter: @JH_blogger and @ChelliahJanet
Hannah Symonds on Goodreads wrote:A humbling insight into the experiences of a family for whom life changes suddenly when their teenage daughter with Down Syndrome is diagnosed with leukaemia. It's very hard to imagine how one would cope as a parent in these very difficult circumstances and also when there is a younger sibling to consider.
Janet Chelliah has written from the heart as she describes her daughter Kirsty's journey from diagnosis onwards and how hard it was for Kirsty to understand what was happening to her. What struck me was how additional challenges faced by the family during this time brought them even closer together and how they found a new appreciation of the 'normal' everyday things in life, which can so easily be taken for granted.
For any family going through a similar experience, this book could not fail to instil hope, resilience and courage to face what the future may hold. A very powerful and inspiring read.
This is the story of Kirsty who has Down Syndrome and also later on in life has Cancer. The first thing I want to say is how incredibly brave and wonderful Kirsty is. Her family are a very kind and caring family that will do their upmost to get Kirsty the right care that she needs. My cousin has Down Syndrome and I helped looked after him when he was young and he has grown in such a wonderful young man who has a job and is taking good care of himself. This book is going to help families that may have Down Syndrome children that have other illnesses and help them to realize they are not alone, I remember it is hard for them to acknowledge when something is not right and Janet and her family show through love and support that they will do anything for Kirsty. It is lovely to see the pictures throughout the book and also there are some very good websites at the back of this book for support and for more information. I wish Kirsty and her family all the best in the future.
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