Taken from the viewpoint of Katrina and Sarah Sissins, this is the story of two sisters and how together, they have coped with cancer being a big part of their lives. After finding a lump in his hand, their brother Stuart was diagnosed with a type of sarcoma cancer, undergoing treatment straight away and causing a huge impact on family life. The girls explain how the shock of discovering a loved one is very ill has affected their emotions and admit that at times, they weren’t sure how to feel. Whilst worrying about their brother, Katrina explains how they had to continue with daily activities such as school and facing their friends, where they found it hard to talk about what was occurring. The girls soon realised that support was all around them in many forms, be it school support or even the comfort they got from talking to each other. Not forgetting their lovable guinea pig Splodge, who was always at hand for a cuddle!

It can be incredibly hard for the siblings of a cancer patient, having to watch their brother or sister become very ill, whilst still managing to stay strong for the rest of the family and also deal with their own emotions. This film is a must for other siblings to watch and listen to how the girls have coped with the situation, or if you simply want a ballet lesson then this is also the film for you!

1. 7 Comments:

2. lucy on June 5th, 2008

   hi Sarah and Katrina,
   its lucy haseldine from school.
   Sarah told me to go on this website to watch it so i did but i didnt really know what to expect.
   When i watched it, it made me realize what you had been feeling and it made me cry to here Sarah say that she was sad at school and crying at night. Im sorry that I might not have supported you two as much as i could of. When Sarah told me about Stuart having cancer i didnt really know what to do and how to comfort her. I knew that it must be uppseting to have someone in your family diagnosed with cancer but actually hearing it from you two made me understand how you must be feeling. But you have both got on with school really well and im really proud of you, especially Sarah because I think you found it really hard.
   Sorry this message is ssssooooo long but i had to say all of that stuff.
   lots of luv
   luv lucy
   P.S Keep smiling!!!

3. Mrs G on June 10th, 2008

   Hi Girls, I’m very proud of you both and know you will keep supporting one another while you go through this very difficult time in your lives. If you ever need me you know where I am. Send love and best wishes to Mum, Dad and Stuart for me.
   Mrs G

4. Kathryn on June 10th, 2008

   Hi Katrina, it’s Kathryn here
   I know this is weird coming from a friend, but you have no idea how proud I am of you.
   Both of you
   I am so pleased that you got the support you needed, and if you ever wanna chat; you know where to find me

   Kathryn-x

5. Tanya on June 10th, 2008

   Aww Katrina!
   Thats such a sweet video, especially with the guinea pigs.
   I want to say the same as Kathryn - that I’m really proud of you and if you ever want to talk then i’m here.
   I really hope everything works out ok.
   Tanya
   x x x

6. Zoe on June 10th, 2008

   Hiya Katz,
   I like the video..It’s hard to believe what you and your family have gone through.
   Glad it’s getting sorted out now though:D
   Luv yoos
   Loadz
   Zozo
   xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
   P.S. If you wanna a get together I’m here:)

7. Alice on June 11th, 2008

   Hi katrina and sarah. Tis me, Alice. I watched your film (obviously) and cannot believe you didn’t include Dodge- he must be so upset. I’m glad that I can now understand what you are going through now, whereas I didn’t know as well before- it’s difficult to talk about things like this. The video is very good- you both look great as well as expressing an important message and awareness we didn’t have before.
   Remember that me and the rest of your mates (for they are plentiful) will always be here for you, whatever, whenever.
   Lots of love,
   Alice xox

8. Lawrence Martin on June 12th, 2008

   Dear Katrina and Sarah,

   It’s Lawrence here, I’m making the documentary about Wallace Cancer Care, and filmed your brother a few weeks back at Addenbrooke’s.

   I thought your video-diaries were really lovely, congratulations. I hope that putting your thoughts onto film helped you understand, and better cope with, the sudden changes in all of your lives. I have no doubt that your videos will provide much needed support and guidance for other people in your situation.

   You definitely know this already, but I’ve been so impressed and inspired by your brother’s strength against his cancer, and his perseverance to keep his life as normal as he possibly can.

   Congratulations once again on such fantastic videos.

   Lawrence

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