Living with the Ribbon: My Journey Through Childhood Cancer, Multiple Diagnoses, and Life Beyond Treatment-By Kimberley Hattersley-Barton | Wakefield, UK

At 27, Kimberley Hattersley-Barton has faced more in her lifetime than most can imagine. A five-time cancer survivor, she’s endured childhood cancer, multiple rounds of tongue cancer, thyroid cancer, and now lives with chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis. Her story is one of resilience, early detection, and the power of self-advocacy.

Diagnosed at 13 Months: A Childhood Cancer Survivor

At just over a year old, Kimberley was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in her bladder—a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Though treatment saved her life, it left lasting complications: kidney failure, ovarian failure, and heart failure.

Young Adulthood and Tongue Cancer

At 18, just as she was beginning adulthood, Kimberley was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue. After surgery and intense radiotherapy, she entered remission—until COVID-19 brought more than one threat. In 2020, she was diagnosed again with tongue cancer. A second surgery followed, but no radiation this time.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Dialysis

In 2022, Kimberley faced another diagnosis: Papillary Thyroid Cancer. By year’s end, she had a full thyroidectomy and her third neck dissection. In 2024, her kidney function declined, and she began dialysis three times a week—adding a new dimension to her healthcare journey.

Cancer Diagnosis #5: Trusting Her Instincts

Kimberley’s fifth cancer diagnosis—a third occurrence of tongue cancer—was caught because she pushed for a biopsy after noticing small changes. In January 2025, she underwent her most invasive surgery yet, losing the back third of her tongue, replaced with a skin graft.

The Power of Advocacy and Support

Through every diagnosis, Kimberley credits her medical team and her intuition. “We know our bodies best,” she says. Her story is not only one of survival but of deep self-awareness and advocacy.

Why She Shares Her Story

Kimberley shares her journey to raise awareness about childhood and rare cancers, and to let others living with chronic illness or post-treatment effects know they are not alone.