Every year, more than one million children around the world lose their mothers to cancer -Tracey O’Brien

Every year, more than one million children around the world lose their mothers to cancer. One million. As I sit and digest that heartbreaking statistic, I think of the countless families and communities who feel such incredible, overwhelming sadness today on Mother’s Day. Today is meant to be a day of celebration, but for many, it is a reminder of everything they have lost and the moments they will lose in years to come. Across our hospitals, countless mothers are being told ‘you have cancer.’ Others are hooked to chemo, hoping things will be different next year. Some mums are making memories, as today is sadly their last Mother’s Day, and in our children’s cancer wards, mothers are putting on a brave face, wishing only for their child to live. The impact of cancer is crippling and far-reaching. The strength and selflessness mothers show every day, even at their darkest hour, is truly an inspiration to me.

I am acutely aware of how privileged I am to celebrate today with my children, my mum and surrounded with love. I wish all those celebrating Mother’s Day a wonderful and joyous day. Below is a photo I wanted to share of someone I know personally, holding the hand of her mum during her final weeks of palliative care. Today is her first Mother’s Day without her. I’m thinking of her, and the countless other families who may be finding today difficult.

Source: Tracey O’Brien/LinkedIn