Helen Ware was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in April 1999 when she was four.  She endured chemotherapy and surgery before being pronounced in remission in November 1999.  In December of that year she had a stem cell transplant, which meant Christmas and the New Year were spent in hospital.  After this she returned to a more normal life, with regular check ups. 

 

Helen in 2001 after treatment

In October 2002, aged 7, the disease returned.  She fought bravely for some time, but options for treatment were limited and a cure non existent.  Over the year Helen had several doses of Radiotherapy as well as oral chemotherapy and spinal surgery to keep the disease at bay.  However it was clear during the summer of 2003 that the disease had spread to her bone marrow and her blood counts were compromised.

In September 2003, now knowing the disease had the upper hand and she would die, she chose not to have any further blood transfusions. She died at home in early October 2003.