Brave Ella inspires new cancer charity
FOUNDATION NAMED AFTER TRAGIC YOUNG WOMAN
A HUDDERSFIELD woman who died after a cruel cancer diagnosis while on holiday in South America has been remembered through a foundation in her name.
Ella Jane Dawson, 24, was 5,000 miles away from home in Colombia when she fell ill. She first believed it was jetlag, but deteriorated quickly and was told she could not fly home.
Ella eventually received six blood transfusions and two platelet transfusions before being allowed to travel back to her West Yorkshire home and begin chemotherapy.
Her experiences are detailed in a blog, which documented her entire journey, from diagnosis, to how she accepted “the big news” and life in hospital.
Detailing about her diagnosis, Ella wrote: “I had just graduated from four years at university and was having a summer of travelling Colombia for seven weeks. It was a very exciting time for me. I had no specific plans, but so many opportunities to take once I had returned from travelling.”
Ella’s blog reveals how her health took a turn for the worse, and she ended up in hospital in a dire position before the shock diagnosis, which was delivered while she was alone.
Other entries on her blog describe her panic and shock, and the decision to accept her diagnosis and “absolute determination” to make her battle a positive experience.
And now, Ella’s battle with cancer has been immortalised through a foundation. Named after her, the Ella Dawson Foundation is a newly established national charity providing psychological, physical, nutritional and wellbeing support.
According to Jane Dawson, Ella’s mum and a trustee of the foundation, the charity’s aim is to continue the work Ella started by offering a safe, supportive, and encouraging space where young adults with cancer and their families can access tailored support within a welcoming and like-minded community.
Jane said: “Ella believed passionately, through her own experience, that physical and emotional wellbeing support can make a huge difference when going through a cancer journey.
“She was determined to create a blueprint to help others in the same situation.
“We are a small charity with huge heart and an even greater ambition to make a difference in the lives of young adults with cancer and their families.
“Our goal, in honour of Ella, is to help young people to live as well and as empowered as possible during and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
“Despite her situation, Ella faced every day with gratitude, positivity, incredible strength, bravery and humour. Inspired by her vision, her creativity and her philosophy on life, we are committed to building a positive and sustainable charity.”
The Ella Dawson Foundation was launched on February 11 – Ella’s 25th birthday – at a commemorative art exhibition of Ella’s work hosted by Newcastle University.
Our goal, in honour of Ella, is to help young people to live as well and as empowered as possible Jane Dawson