Christian Lewis Trust Children's Cancer Charity

The American Experience - Helen's Story
Image depicting Helen's Story
Helen is a teenager and has had additional difficulties to cope with, as she is old enough to understand the implications and possible outcomes of her illness. The lives of teenage girls normally seem to revolve around hair, makeup, clothes and boys. Helen's hair had fallen out, her skin had reacted badly, and she had gained a lot of weight and was too ill to even think about boys. She felt isolated and worthless. Her parents had always promised Helen that one day they would take her to Florida and at last that time was now.

Helen now had something special to look forward to and to plan for. She began to get really excited and couldn't wait for the holiday to arrive. In Florida she had a wonderful time even far better than she had imagined. She was treated as a VIP and made very welcome wherever she went. Everyone seemed so pleased to see her that her confidence grew and Helen began to like her self once again. Many months after returning from this trip she is still talking about it. In Helen's case it really was the beginning of her new life, even though she still has to attend hospital for check ups on a regular basis. Whatever happens no one can ever take those wonderful memories away from her or her parents.

We arranged for 357 children and adults to experience their dream holiday in Disneyworld, Florida and gave another 76 free passes to the Theme Parks.