Listen to the 'Butterfly Team' taking part in BBC Radio 4's Case Notes programme on Thyroid Cancer
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Get on your bike and raise funds for Butterfly in 2008!
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It's a hat trick for Butterfly! Butterfly is a triple award winner!
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Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust (formerly Butterfly North East) is
the first registered charity in the UK dedicated solely to the support
of patients with Thyroid Cancer.
Originally a North East-based charity supporting patients having their treatment at the Northern
Centre for Cancer Treatment (NCCT), Newcastle General
Hospital, Butterfly is now a national organisation.
So, if you live outside our area, please contact us - we may be able to help.
Being diagnosed with Cancer can be both a frightening and isolating experience, especially when your Cancer is rare, but talking to someone who has experienced similar surgery and the same treatment regime can help.
This can be particularly helpful during:
periods of hypothyroidism (living without any thyroid hormone)
treatment in isolation.
These currently are necessary elements in the treatment of Thyroid Cancer. However, it is envisaged that periods of hypothyroidism may be negated with the increasing use of Thyrogen (Recombinant Human TSH or rh TSH), a drug therapy.
To those who would seek it, we can offer information, support and encouragement. We cannot, however, provide medical advice.
By liaising with the medical profession we aim to promote a wider knowledge of the disease, to assist the improvement of the patient’s experience with Thyroid Cancer.
By working with other associated support organisations, the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) and A.M.E.N.D. and sharing knowledge, we can ensure we are providing up-to-date information for our members.
The founder of Butterfly works in the Thyroid Cancer clinic at NCCT and is available for support, information and advice.
Butterfly was founded by a Newcastle upon Tyne patient following her own diagnosis with Thyroid Cancer in June 2000.
Everyone involved works on a voluntary basis and has either had the disease or been closely involved in the care and support of someone who has.
We are a patient support organisation working closely alongside, and have the full support of, the Multi-Disciplinary Thyroid Cancer Care Team in Newcastle.
Our helpline number is 01207 545469.
We are available on this number Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Outside these times, please leave a message on our answerphone and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Butterfly Team chosen to take part in BBC Radio 4 interview
Butterfly welcomes its Second Patron
It's a Hat Trick of Awards for Butterfly!
Butterfly Fundraiser of the Year
Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust works closely with the Multidisciplinary Thyroid Cancer Team in Newcastle upon Tyne to ensure that the information on our web site is accurate, relevant and up-to-date. Such information is given in good faith and cannot take account of individual situations.
The information contained within the web site is not intended to advise medically. Medical advice should be sought from from your relevant health care professional and as such Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust cannot accept responsibility for clinical decisions.
Katherine and Kate taking part in
the 2003 Race for Life
Dawn's StoryAt the age of 41 with two teenage daughters, Dawn did not expect another pregnancy or to be diagnosed with cancer.
She found herself facing
both at the same time.
Read Dawn's story
Gaby's Story Gaby, the youngest of four sisters, is now nine and has papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.
She was diagnosed just before her seventh birthday.
Ganesh's StoryFinding out how it is to be on the 'receiving end'.
Dr Ganesh Retnasingham tells
his story since his own diagnosis with Thyroid Cancer.
Read Ganesh's story
History
of Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust - Kate's Story When Kate was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in June 2000 she felt isolated as there was no support group for people with this disease.
Read the story of how she went on to set up Butterfly North East so that other Thyroid Cancer patients would not have to face the journey alone.
Jenny's StoryTom was diagonosed with Thyroid Cancer two days after his third birthday.
Mum Jenny shares his story with us.
Kevin's Story The same week that Kevin was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer his wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Michelle's Story Hi, my name is Michelle, I’m 30, a PR director, married, love dancing, drinking rosé wine, I’d like to own a book shop, and by the way I’ve got thyroid cancer.
Nick's Story My story begins in January 2005 when I was offered a job assignment in Paris. An an offer I found difficult to refuse.
So, at the age of 48, married, with a daughter at university I moved to Paris in April 2005 . . .
Rachel's Story Diagnosed with two different types of cancer before the age of thirty.
Rachel was supported by Butterfly and went on the climb Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the group.
Important news about a clinical trial for Thyroid Cancer More >>
Following huge
demand from Thyroid Cancer patients seeking support throughout the UK, Butterfly
will be concentrating
its efforts on going national in the next 12 months.
Would you be interested in becoming a point of contact for Thyroid Cancer
patients in your own area with our support?
Please contact
us for further
information.

Registered charity 1108932
Patrons:
His Grace the Duke of Northumberland
Dr Clive Harmer MB FRCR FRCP
Honorary President:
Dr U K Mallick FRCR
Trustees:
Dr P Perros FRCP
Mr F W Stafford FRCS
Mrs A J Harding
Ms C McGreal
Mr S Farnell BDS
Medical Advisor:
Dr P Perros FRCP
Founder/Director:
Mrs K A Farnell
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