Desborough woman writes book about her childhood cancer journey

She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer aged 15
Chloe and her new book.Chloe and her new book.
Chloe and her new book.

A Desborough woman has written a book about her childhood cancer journey to raise funds for charity.

Chloe Hunt was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, aged 15 in 2010 and has now written 'Beyond Fear is Hope', which gives an insight into what young cancer patients and their families go through and the difficulties faced from diagnosis to beyond the end of treatment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be going to CLIC Sargent – Young Lives Vs Cancer, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families.

Chloe was inspired to donate all proceeds from the book to CLIC Sargent after she received support from the charity.

She underwent 18 months of treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) therapy and conventional radiotherapy. CLIC Sargent social workers provided support to her and her family, including helping with complicated paperwork, giving valuable advice and limiting the stress on the family.

Chloe and her family were also able to stay at CLIC Sargent’s home from homes, Billy’s house in Nottingham and Paul’s house in London, while she underwent treatment. The 10 home from homes across the country provide a free place for families to stay close to principal treatment centres. Being able to stay in the home from homes not only kept Chloe's family close together during a difficult time but also alleviated a 100-mile daily round trip she would have faced.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Beyond Fear is Hope’ follows the rollercoaster ride of emotions Chloe had whilst undergoing gruelling treatments. Not only is it a story of survival - Chloe has battled through the long-term effects of treatment and with determination and now has a fulfilling career as a paediatric nurse. This book also ends with some valuable advice for teenagers and young adult cancer survivors to help them move on and deal with uncomfortable emotions.

Chloe, now aged 26, said: “During this uncertain time, children and young people are still being diagnosed and treated for cancer which makes an already awful journey so much harder. So it is more important than ever that funds are available to help support these families.

"This is my way of giving something back to a charity that provided us with huge support during my cancer treatment.

“My book doesn’t just show an upsetting story, it ends with an abundance of hope.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"To all those young people who have got through treatment and feel lost, reach for your dreams anything is possible.”

Last year in Northamptonshire, CLIC Sargent supported 96 number of families, giving out 69 financial grants to the value of £12,855 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer.

The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Jeanette Hawkins, chief nurse at CLIC Sargent, said: "This beautiful book is written from the heart, from a young adult survivor of neuroblastoma; a cancer that is rare anyway, and even rarer in this age group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The author speaks directly to other adolescent or young adult patients who may be going through treatment or in their own survivorship phase.

"Chloe found there were few other people her age with the same disease, going through the same gruelling treatment, and offers her own story with tips for getting through it for others who feel isolated.

"While recognising that everyone's experience is different and unique, Chloe writes from the perspective of 'things I wish I'd known.' With 34 years' experience in this field, I'm certain that readers will find plenty of comfort in identifying many similar thoughts and feelings. An honest, genuine and uplifting story."

To buy the book, click here.