Family heartbreak behind the smiles (From Croydon Guardian)

Family heartbreak behind the smiles

12:26pm Wednesday 27th March 2002 in News By Joseph O Shea

Since their son James, eight, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition, six weeks of radiotherapy and their own painstaking research for medical treatment has not afforded Robert and Sue Haddad time to come to terms with his illness.

Having completed his radiotherapy and a course of steroids, James returned to St. Mary's R.C. Junior School, Croydon, where with the help of sympathetic teachers, he has been able to enjoy school life again, on a part-time basis.

On Saturday, despite his condition James bravely swam for one hour in a school-sponsored Swimathon in aid of the MacMillan Cancer Relief Fund.

And during the Easter holidays the committed Christian parents are taking their son to Lourdes in hope of a miracle.

But Sue is now returning to her work after several months' leave caring for James.

She said: "As a mother, going back to work with the fate of our son's life still very much in question, it is not only very daunting, but also a constant test of character. My thoughts will be with him constantly."

Robert, who gave up an IT career to look after James, spends his time researching treatments on the Internet, where he has discovered many other families in a similar situation.

But on Sue's single income, as they struggle against the cost of research and pioneering treatments, the Haddads are reliant on the fund-raising efforts of Croydon Guardian readers as the only option may be treatment in the United States.