Breakfast Eggs For Bailey by Andrew Foster



My life and that of my families became a little complicated four years ago in 2008 when my sister (then aged 12) was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML) an aggressive adult form of blood cancer.



Sarah had 6 months of intense chemo and radiotherapy but then needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life. My younger brother Matthew ( aged 8 ) was found to be an identical match. It was a difficult time for all the family and for me - I felt helpless.



We have met many families, sadly effected by cancer, non more than one small boy called Bailey.



Bailey was 5 months old when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoplastic Leukemia (ALL) but has had many complications during his treatment including meningitis and pancreatitis .



Bailey has became a close family friend but in March 2012 he relapsed and then discovered the secondary cancer was AML leukemia, the same cancer my sister Sarah was treated for. Just like Sarah he now needed a bone marrow transplant but he has no siblings. The Anthony Nolan Trust had to search for a match and after months of waiting a German donor was found for Bailey. He went into the RVI in Newcastle or the transplant on 12th July 2012.



During my summer break I visited Bailey in hospital only talking through an intercom system as no one can enter his transplant room. He was unable to leave this room for 6 weeks. Following this visit I wanted to do something for Bailey, I wanted to lift his spirits and this time not feel so helpless.



Bailey visited my family farm this spring shortly after finding out that he has relapsed. He had a day full of fun with tractors, farm bikes and all the animals. For this short visit he was just like a normal 4 year old boy without cancer.



Using this as my inspiration I decided to write and illustrate a book just for Bailey based on the farm.



This is my gift to him … Breakfast Eggs For Bailey.