Children fighting cancer. Part 1, Andrew and Charlotte.

The first in a four-part series following nine children as they fight childhood leukemia. This part looks at 15-year-old Andrew and 14-year-old Charlotte. The methods of treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (the most common form) have improved greatly since the 100% death rate in the 1950s to the now nearly 90% survival rate. However, both the children featured here have more complicated forms of leukemia. Charlotte has the Philadelphia Chromosome which has only a 30% survival rate and means she has to have a bone marrow transplant and such powerful radio therapy that it will leave her infertile. The bone marrow transplant is the treatment of last resort and means Charlotte has to stay in an isolated room. She keeps a video diary of her time in isolation. Andrew's chances of survival are only 50%, he talks frankly to the camera about his thoughts on his condition and the possibility of dying. Tragically, just six days after this was filmed Andrew died from a rare blood infection resulting from the chemotherapy treatment. Charlotte's bone marrow transplant is a success and she is released from hospital delighted with the outcome of her treatment.