Listen to our story unicorns

Meet Jo

Jo’s journey began with a series of perplexing symptoms before her 2010 diagnosis. Multiple doctors couldn’t provide a clear explanation until she encountered a particular GP who took her concerns seriously. With an enlarged spleen, a lump in her stomach, and debilitating fatigue, Jo’s suspected diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was shocking. Limited knowledge about CML left her worried about survival and being there for her children. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed her fears, and the treatment decision-making process commenced.

Researching available options and consulting with medical professionals, Jo discovered the low survival rates, making the decision difficult yet ultimately hers to make. The transplant process proved challenging, marred by delays and complications. Post-transplant, Jo faced physical changes like hair loss and dry skin while adjusting to the treatment-induced limitations. Despite exhaustion and feeling different, Jo maintained a determined attitude, striving to establish routines during her hospital stay. Emotions ran high as fear, uncertainty, and hope intertwined throughout her arduous journey of treatment and recovery.

Meet Sophie

Sophie was just 20 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, also known as ALL.

Sophie was sent to hospital with suspected meningitis. Following blood tests, she was found to have this acute form of leukaemia which needed urgent treatment.

Sophie underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, but unfortunately relapsed. Sophie became the first person in the West Midlands to undergo CAR-T, a new type of treatment which sees a patient’s own cells reprogrammed to attack cancer cells.

CAR-T was successful for Sophie and she is the inspiration for this unicorn.

When undergoing treatment, Sophie decorated her hospital room with unicorns and is still unicorn obsessed until this day.