Eighteen-year-old Lydia Dillon is preparing for a post-high school trip with friends, a milestone that holds particular significance given her early childhood battle with cancer. At less than two years old, Dillon was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer with a survival rate of approximately 20%. She began chemotherapy in April 2009 and entered remission in February 2011.
Dillon describes her earliest memories as being in hospitals, a stark contrast to the typical experiences of toddlers. While her parents recall more of the ordeal, she retains fragmented recollections of her treatment. Despite beating the odds, the effects of her cancer treatment have had lasting impacts on her life, including chronic fatigue and pain, and anxiety.
Attending Barretstown Camp, a therapeutic camp for children with serious illnesses, proved to be a turning point for Dillon. Initially attending family camps with her parents, she later transitioned to attending camps independently starting in 2017. The camp provided a safe environment where she could experience normalcy while knowing that medical support was available if needed. This balance helped ease her parents' concerns and her own.
Barretstown played a crucial role in helping Dillon manage the long-term side effects of her treatment. The camp's supportive environment allowed her to participate in activities despite physical limitations, ensuring she didn't feel left out. It also helped alleviate her homesickness and anxiety, which stemmed from spending extensive time with her parents during her treatment. Activities like climbing helped her overcome a fear of heights, and she developed a love for horses and animals.
Dillon is now an ambassador for Barretstown, which has launched its first half marathon to raise funds. The event, held in partnership with Naas Athletic Club and sponsored by Boran Packaging, aims to support the camp's mission of providing therapeutic programs to 32,000 campers annually. World champion runner Eamonn Coghlan is also supporting the event, highlighting its importance for children and families affected by serious illnesses.
Having navigated her challenging childhood, Dillon plans to study pediatric nursing at University College Dublin (UCD). Her personal experience has informed her desire to help other children, appreciating the value of honesty and clear communication from healthcare professionals. She specifically chose UCD due to its pediatric placements at Crumlin Hospital, where she was treated.
Dillon views her current life and accomplishments, such as completing her Leaving Certificate and passing her driving test, as efforts to catch up on life experiences with her peers. The upcoming holiday with friends represents another step towards living a normal life, demonstrating the profound impact Barretstown has had in enabling her to become a thriving young adult.