Charlotte Jennings was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at the age of 11. Her first round of chemotherapy made her sick, causing the usual side effects of hair loss seen in most adults. However she also developed lesions on her liver and a rash all over her body caused by a fungal infection called Mucormycosis, a side-effect of chemo.
When her first round of chemotherapy failed, Charlotte had to take a second round of the treatment, which caused side effects including leaking kidneys. She eventually needed a bone marrow transplant, taking a dosage of steroids more usually given to a grown man.
Now 19 and cancer-free, Charlotte unfortunately faces the reality that the treatments used to treat her cancer, have left her with life-long side effects. This means Charlotte has very limited mobility, and will eventually need new knees, ankles and wrists.
In 2017 Charlotte joined Kidscan, helping not only to raise money, but to increase awareness around the issues associated with childhood cancer, and the lack of current treatments available.
As we wished Charlotte Happy 19th Birthday, we also asked her about turning 18 during lockdown last year, how she uses humour to explain to people why she is physically disabled, why she thinks more money needs to be invested in sick children and how she is studying in hope she can use her experience to help others.
Kidscan caught up with our ambassador Charlotte this week, to congratulate her again on her fantastic exam results and being accepted onto a university course. We also asked her about her latest surgery, necessary because of the late effects caused by her life saving treatment for cancer.
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