Christopher’s Smile was set up in October 2008 having lost our son, Christopher, in June the same year to an aggressive medulloblastoma brain tumour. Following a 21 month battle with the disease he passed away 9 days before his 6th birthday. We wanted to find something positive in our tragedy and thought long and hard about the direction we should take. We feel strongly that the current cycle with childhood cancer needs to be broken.
'Our vision is for every child diagnosed with childhood cancer to not
only survive, but to reach adulthood enjoying a good quality of life.'
The survival rates for many children have not improved in decades and often those who survive their disease are left with a legacy of side effects due to treatments. These side effects can include permanent organ damage, permanent sensory damage such as hearing loss, permanent and irreparable damage to the brain.
The charity funds the development of new targeted drugs to treat medulloblastoma and other childhood cancers without devastating side effects. We support UK research centres such as The Institute of Cancer Research. These drugs will provide an effective cure for all and save the lives of the 25% of children who currently do not survive their disease.
