Daley said it was “really helpful” for her family to learn about the disease and what research is being done.
She hopes to share what she’s learned with other families who may be on a similar journey.
“(My grandmother) currently lives in a nursing home and undergoes major treatment twice a year. It’s a constant battle,” Daly said.
“I don’t think she actually realizes how inferior she is. Usually with her type there are no symptoms early on, but in her case it was.
“Then a painless swollen lymph node became apparent. I had fatigue, fever and weight loss and at first I didn’t know what was going on and was really scared.
“Knowing that was the case was tough. It became a really difficult part of my life, especially for my mom because she had to be there and take care of her.”
But as the search continues for treatments, Daly says, “There may be light at the end of the tunnel, and there may be some success stories.”
She spent time at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in December and said she was “moved” and hopes to bring positivity when visiting patients.
This year, Cure Leukemia hopes to fund specialized research nurses for pediatric patients and will announce 10 hospitals that will form a trial network.
This is a pivotal time for philanthropy, and Daly says it’s important to use his platform to “drive change.”
“The spotlight is on us and we’ve earned it, so I don’t want to see people ignore it and just post pictures on Instagram,” Daly said. spoke.
“When it comes to illness and mental health, how can we have an impact and encourage change on and off the pitch?
“I’m not here to just be a football player. I’m here to make the world a better place, promote positivity and raise awareness. That’s very important to me.”
