How Deni overcame a brain tumour to help kids in need

Deni Atkinson (left) on her graduation day.

Those of you who have been along for the ride these past few years may remember Deni Atkinson, who featured in our 2016 Spring newsletter.

Diagnosed with a brain tumour at 15, Deni underwent two separate treatments to remove the tumour, one in her native Western Australia, the other in the United States. Even back then, Deni was aware of the importance of childhood cancer research and the affect it had on her own life.

“It opened my eyes to the importance of research. I wouldn’t be here, now stable, if it wasn’t for research and the community that supports it,” she says in our 2016 newsletter.

Fast forward eight years and Deni is now an Occupational Therapist, who channels the same determination she showed while taking part in the Ride to Conquer cycling fundraisers.

Deni (far right) with her Ride to Conquer cycling team.

Moving from Dunsborough to Geraldton, Deni works in a private clinic working with kids with a range of different disabilities, who each experience some form of physical, neurological and/or intellectual difficulty.

Deni says that she still has some discomfort of her own post-treatment.

“The biggest thing that still affects me is all the medications I have to manage because of the damage to my pituitary gland during surgery and radiation,” she says.

“The recovery period was extensive following my second operation in the US. There were days when I was really only awake for a few minutes at a time. Nowadays it is much more manageable, especially when you see what some of these kids are going through!”

The Kids’ Cancer Project is intent on ensuring children with cancer have problem-free futures, with no adverse side effects in the wake of cancer treatment. Deni’s work as an OT aligns with this perfectly, and she is motivated to help kids that are going through what she did nearly a decade ago.

"To be involved in the rehabilitation of kids in hospital is an honour. I am driven by my own experiences to ensure that no child ever has to deal with the tough times that I went through,” she says.

“Ultimately, research is the only way we can continue to improve the lives of these youngsters. The Kids’ Cancer Project is an incredible advocate of vital kids’ cancer research, and with the support of their donors and partners, they will give kids the chance to realise their dreams, much like myself.”