Julie's Story: A Star to Celebrate my Life
Julie was referred to The Royal Marsden after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2016.
Julie's Diagnosis and Treatment
“After being diagnosed and having surgery at a local hospital, the surgeons there referred me to The Royal Marsden, as they said that it was the best cancer hospital in the world, with amazing care and treatment. Given how complex my case was, and how aggressive the tumour was, I would have the best chance there.
I had two cycles of chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden but sadly these didn’t work and my tumours continued to grow. But then I met with Mr Pardeep Kumar, one of the surgeons, and he offered me hope in the form of a radical surgery.
Nearly four years on from my operation, my scans show that I have no signs of cancer, which is just amazing. If it wasn’t for The Royal Marsden, Mr Kumar and the fantastic theatre team I simply wouldn’t be here.”
The event is so lovely, it’s very emotional but it’s so uplifting. You’ve got the choir and children singing, all the stars twinkling on the trees and it’s just lovely to see so many people there supporting The Royal Marsden. Everyone looks for their own star on the tree and people cheer when they find their star on the tree! You get chatting to other people who are there and it really brings everyone together.
Taking part in Celebrate a Life
“I was diagnosed in August 2016 and I’ve taken part in Celebrate a Life every year since then, and attended the carol service in Chelsea.
The whole event is about celebrating a life so I name a star for myself to celebrate the fact that I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m so grateful to The Royal Marsden for everything they’ve done for me.
When you see other people that are in the same position as you, it makes you realise that as well as remembering the people that have died, we should celebrate the people that are still fighting cancer and who are still here.
Three years ago I was inside the hospital having treatment so I feel so lucky now to be standing outside the hospital with the opportunity to attend events like this; I look forward to going every year!
I’m a big supporter of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – at every opportunity I encourage my friends and family to support them to make sure The Royal Marsden can continue the life-saving work they do.”
Name a star for someone special
You can get your own star to go on the Christmas trees outside our hospitals.