At just 15 years old Janet’s eldest daughter, Kirsty, who has Down syndrome, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Janet, a General Practitioner, and her husband Neil, a Paediatrician, were forced to think as parents, not doctors. ‘Our Family’s Journey Through Disability and Cancer’ provides an honest and insightful account of their family’s experience; from the moment Kirsty was born until her cancer diagnosis, when their lives were turned upside down.

Janet tells of the physical and psychological toll taken on herself and the family, and the strength instilled in them through the love and support of their family and friends, and through Kirsty’s determination to fight. In this memoir, Janet shares all that she and her family have learned, in the hope that it will help others who find themselves navigating an uncertain path, and provide guidance to health professionals involved in the care of these families.

My Thoughts:

This is the story of Kirsty who has Down Syndrome and also later on in life has Cancer. The first thing I want to say is how incredibly brave and wonderful Kirsty is. Her family are a very kind and caring family that will do their upmost to get Kirsty the right care that she needs. My cousin has Down Syndrome and I helped looked after him when he was young and he has grown in such a wonderful young man who has a job and is taking good care of himself. This book is going to help families that may have Down Syndrome children that have other illnesses and help them to realize they are not alone, I remember it is hard for them to acknowledge when something is not right and Janet and her family show through love and support that they will do anything for Kirsty. It is lovely to see the pictures throughout the book and also there are some very good websites at the back of this book for support and for more information. I wish Kirsty and her family all the best in the future.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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