'I was so afraid we would miss something': Cork family affected by childhood cancer seeking support

Hand in Hand charity provides practical and emotional support during and after treatment, says Helen O’Callaghan

Brian and Elaine Crowley with their three sons Ellis, Ryhs and Beau at their home outside Cloyne, Co. Cork. Picture: David Creedon.

When Elaine Crowley was 15 and her mother had cancer, she kept her fears to herself, not wanting to add to her parents’ burden.

“There weren’t any supports then,” Elaine says. “I was the oldest in the family. I grew up very quickly.”