Grandpa Phil and Granny Sharon were devasted when their grandson, two-and-a-half-year-old Roman, was diagnosed with leukaemia. 

 “He was only two-and-a-half. I was in shock,” remembers Sharon.

“It’s quite devastating to find out. He was such a proud, healthy little boy,” says Phil. 

 He and Sharon wanted to support Roman, his five-year-old brother Vin, and his parents, Tash and Ron, but they weren’t sure where to start. 

Your kindness helps Redkite provide support to every member of the family impacted by childhood cancer, including resources tailored to grandparents, who often have questions and worries of their own. 

“I used to say I’m handling it worse than everyone,” says Sharon. 

Sharon and Phil looked after Vin when his mum and dad had to be in hospital with Roman, and made sure there were home-cooked meals on the table.  
 
In turn, these terrific grandparents were supported by the caring Redkite community.

Your donations meant there was counselling when they needed it, and now little Roman is better, they’ve joined a Redkite’s Connect Group for Grandparents. 

Sharon says, “One of the things that I really love about Redkite is that everyone’s willing to share for the benefit of those other families facing challenges.” 

Useful resources for grandparents

Sharon and Phil found this booklet called ‘Guide for Grandparents of Children with Cancer’ very helpful. It answers some of the many questions which grandparents of children with cancer told Redkite they would have liked answered when their grandchild was diagnosed and during their grandchild’s treatment phase.