Here we are introduced to 17 year old David, who, on the 26th July 2007 was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. As we hear David’s story, we find out what life was like before diagnosis- a typical teenage one really, going to school, hanging out with mates, going down the ‘chippy’- until a series of symptoms led to a far more serious turn of events. After finding out he had Leukemia, David explains what it was like to be told such shocking news, with his family also explaining how it emotionally affected them. Now in remission and receiving maintenance treatment ending in October 2010, as we join the family on a picnic, David explains how relieved he is to have been given the all clear and reveals how the whole experience has made him realise what is truly important in life.

As Alice starts her first cycle of chemo, we get a lowdown of how things are going during her stay in hospital. Alice is excited at the thought of being discharged and keeps in high spirits as she completes the first hurdle. Back at home, it’s a nice change from the hospital walls and time for another trip to the seaside for Alice and family where fresh sea air comes as a welcome break from the lovely fumes of hospital! As chemo kicks in, Alice begins to feel the side effects and unfortunately finds herself back in hospital after a high temperature and low neutrophils mean that a close eye has to be kept on things. Now back on the adult ward again and feeling miserable, Alice explains how a teenage unit is desperately needed for young people so their time in hospital is made considerably more comfortable. With chemo comes side effects and then cravings…this time it’s Cuppa Soup for Alice!

It’s all go go go as both radiotherapy and exams get underway and Alice prepares for the busy schedule ahead of her. With radiotherapy everyday for the next 4 ½ weeks, Alice explains how she can’t wait to get it all over and done with and get on with life as normal. On the foot front, a successful period of driving again without any pain fills Alice with bundles of confidence and relief at the thought of finally being crutch free. After missing it first time round due to previous treatment, an apprehensive Alice prepares for her maths exam and reports back after to tell us how it went… with complete success of course! A weekend away in London with friends at the Give It A Name festival comes as a welcome break from treatment and exams and gives Alice a chance to see some of her all time favourite bands play, even if a late night getting back home does cause sore eyes the next day! As Alice’s tough schedule of radiotherapy continues, she explains how treatment isn’t what’s worrying her most. In true Alice form, passing her exams and continuing with revision are her main concerns, even with the side effects of treatment causing her to feel tired and lethargic… leaving us wondering where she gets her energy from!

It’s another busy week for Bonnie as nights out with the CLIC Sargent team and show rehearsals are only a few of the things listed in her packed social diary! As she begins to get chemo out of her system, Bonnie experiences a few nasty side effects including back pain and jitteriness, but carries on as usual and throws herself into other exciting projects. Next stop, the sea, where Bonnie tries her hand at sailing, and by the looks of things, is a natural! As the sunny weather continues, the party invitations are flooding in, as are lively renditions of unforgettable hits such as “Stacey’s Mom”, which soon gets the crowd going. After a manic week, Bonnie and her mum take a relaxing spa break and look forward to some luxury treatments….a well deserved treat I’d say!

The second part of Bonnie’s April diary sees her eagerly awaiting her latest CT scan results amongst dealing with some not-so-nice side effects including tiredness and a few crazy dreams! The race for life fund is steadily rising as Bonnie prepares her costume for the big day and tries to focus on some positive times ahead including coming off medication and sailing with the CLIC Sargent team. A call from the hospital informing of a drop in Bonnie’s haemoglobin means an impromptu blood transfusion, a process which she advises is best endured with lots of magazines and a tempting selection of comfort food! Bonnie also explains how she is experiencing a host of different and new emotions as her body shape begins to change and sickness prevails. Never one to stay down for long though, Bonnie manages to fit in a lively ballet lesson with friends….even if it does mean another early night!