Hey guys! Welcome to Sienna’s World (my new world anyway)

Being only 14 years old, I did not for 1 second think I would be the one sharing my story with the world, but in the space of a week my normal, teenage life was turned upside down…….I got diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma.

So, to fill you in, Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (you’re immune system). In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection, so I have had to start my first cycle of chemotherapy immediately.

Due to my age and the rareness of the type of cancer, I am proud to say that I have decided to take part in a study at John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford (where I am receiving my treatment) to provide some much-needed research onto this type of cancer especially in young girls. So, I am really hoping my journey will raise the awareness in hope to help other children be aware of the early signs and how it can be treated effectively. I want to be able to donate a proportion of the fund raised to the team behind the research to give them additional funding to allow them to help others like they are helping me.

As you can imagine, my world has changed significantly and to be completely honest, we as a family are still in shock trying to get our heads round it all. We know the long journey to fight this has only just begun but I am positive with the incredible support around me we are all strong enough to fight this and come out the other side, stronger than ever before!

Over the coming months, I know there are going to be good days and bad days which is one of the reasons we have decided to create this page, a way to raising the awareness of this type of cancer but also to a way of enabling me to possibly fulfil my one dream of going to Disneyland.

My amazing family and their friends are even climbing to the summit of Mount Snowden in April to help raise money for this trip and I know there are other fundraising events they are planning so if you would like to support any of these please head to our Facebook group. If I feel well enough, I am hoping to be waiting at the top of Snowden to see their red faces!

I would like to send a private message to every single person that donates, to show my appreciation and to say a HUGE thank you. Speaking of thank-you,’ there is someone that I need to thank from the bottom of my heart, my Mum Louise. Not only is she my Mum, my best friend, my rock, and my shoulder to cry on, she is now my carer, the one who takes me to all my appointments…… she is a true inspiration. To be told the news that no parent ever wants to hear, her strength has been incredible. I know she has not slept properly, has not been eating right, but she has held it together and the bond we have is stronger than ever. My family have all be absolutely amazing they have all been there for me, emotionally, helping with hospital appointments and helping look after my little brother Rico – thank you to them all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story so far and for any donations, no matter how big or small, every little bit will help and means more than you will realise. Please keep the kind words of support coming – they really do help so thank you!

All my love

Sienna