Throughout September, for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we shared “30 Days of Being an Oncology Mum”. an honest, heartfelt look at life during and after Milly’s diagnosis.
Each day, we shared a truth from our journey, from those first terrifying days in hospital, to the incredible support of play leaders, teachers and charities, to the reality of treatment, siblings, and sadly, bereavement.
Some days were deeply painful to write, others reminded us of the small moments of joy Milly brought even in the darkest times.
The campaign reached thousands of people and sparked conversations about childhood cancer, a subject that is often hidden, but one that so many families live with every single day.
We talked about:
- The shock of diagnosis and the collapse of family life as you knew it
- The roles of doctors, nurses, play leaders, teachers, and volunteers
- The impact on parents, siblings, and extended family
- The importance of charities and community support
- The heartbreaking truth that not every child survives
- And the enduring legacy of Milly, whose light continues through Milly’s Smiles.
We are proud to have shared these 30 truths. Our hope was to raise awareness, encourage understanding, and give a voice to families like ours. The feedback has been incredible, so many people told us how much it opened their eyes, touched their hearts, and helped them better understand what families face.
This campaign was not easy. Reliving each moment was painful, but it was also healing. And most importantly, it ensured that Milly’s story continues to be told, and that families facing childhood cancer are seen and heard.
This is why we do what we do. This is Milly’s legacy. This is her smile, still shining.
