We are only too aware that the diagnosis of a brain tumour is absolutely devastating.
Life for children with brain tumours and their families is changed in an instant. It isn’t just the horror of the diagnosis, it’s the realisation that brain tumours and their treatment can cause physical and mental changes that could be permanent. In fact some parents of children with brain tumours may even have to become full time carers.
Such changes could include:
· Weakness down one side of the body
· Poor balance, or shakes
· Fits/blackouts
· Headaches/migraines
· Some may lose the sight of one, or both eyes
· Some may have hearing difficulties
· Growth problems
· Early, or late puberty & fertility problems
· Educational problems – problems with new learning (skills, or ideas), poor short term memory, problem solving
· Learning difficulties – needing extra support at school, or in a special unit
· Behavioural problems
With all these issues in mind we are only too happy to help as many children with brain tumours as possible, for as long as possible.
Children and young adults we have helped so far
James was diagnosed with a brain tumour 5 years ago
aged 24 and has had frequent surgery, radiotherapy
and chemotherapy. His condition is
non-curative. We contributed financially
towards a much needed family holiday
for James, his wife and their little girl.
Jane has a relapsed glioma (brain and spine). She
aged 10 experiences decreased mobility as a result of
her diagnosis and side effects. Jane can no
longer walk to school, to town or to her friends
houses or clubs. As no-one in her family
drives, we paid for taxis to enable Jane to
continue to participate in school and leisure
activities with her peers as much as she is
able.
Liam was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in 2008.
aged 17 He was coming to the end of a long course of
treatment and feeling quite low. Due to his
diagnosis, Liam had to put an apprenticeship on
hold and needed something positive to focus on.
We therefore helped to fund his motorbike
restoration hobby.
Harry was diagnosed in 2007 and now has a relapsed
aged 13 medulloblastoma. Due to his condition, extreme
tiredness and access issues, Harry had missed
a lot of school. We helped towards the cost
of a laptop that Harry could use both at home
and school that would make life easier for him.
Alex has a medullablastoma and was diagnosed in
aged 9 2007. Her mum cares for Alex full time and
so money is understandably short. Alex loves
to watch TV and they needed help to pay for
the licence. We bought this for Alex and her
mum, as well as some extra treats for the
little lady.
Nathan was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in 2006
aged 4 and relapsed in 2007. His family wanted to
take Nathan on holiday to the Isle of Mull
(Balamoray!!). We helped to fund this very
special trip for Nathan and his family.
After Nathans trip to Balamoray we funded
several outings & treats for him and his
sister, as sadly he began to receive
palliative care.
Katie was diagnosed in 2008 with a medulloblastoma.
aged 3 After Katy had finished her treatment, her
family wanted to take her on holiday the first
opportunity they got. We helped with the cost
of their holiday, so that Katy could have some
much deserved treats.
Carl was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July
aged 20 2009. He had to take time off work to
undergo and recover from surgery. Carl
wanted to go on holiday with friends
before starting radiotherapy. We were
happy to help fund this much needed
holiday.
Luke was first diagnosed with a brain tumour
aged 23 in September 2003. He now has a
relapsed brain tumour which sadly is
non-curative. Luke needed to be cared
for in a hospice and his family needed
help towards the cost of travelling to
visit him regularly. We were happy to
help with these expenses.
Arslan was diagnosed with a high grade glioma.
aged 3 Unfortunately Arslan is now receiving
palliative care, following disease
progression. He has never seen his
grandparents who live in Nigeria
and his parents were desperately
trying to raise the money to fly them
over. It was our pleasure to contribute
towards the cost of this – Arslan is
very excited at the thought of seeing
them.
Jennifer was diagnosed with a grade 3 ependymoma in
aged 3 September 2009. She is undergoing 18 months
of gruelling chemotherapy in the hope of
preventing the need for radiotherapy. Her
family desperately wanted to treat Jennifer
and her five year old sister at this difficult
time, but were struggling financially to meet
essential bills. We were happy to send them
a grant to cover both of these areas, as we
understand the very real pressures families
are under when they receive such a devastating
diagnosis.
Robert was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September
aged 3 2009
chemotherapy. This will put huge pressure on
his family, as they will be separated frequently
during treatment. We sent a grant to go
towards treats and days out together for
Robert, his parents and younger siblings.
Ethane was diagnosed with a metastatic
aged 18 meduloblastomain May 2009. He is undergoing
an 18 month course of treatment which is very
debilitating. This is particularly difficult for
Ethan as he was very sport and active, but now
spends a lot of time in bed. Ethan wanted
funds to buy a laptop, to help him stay in
touch with his friends. We were very happy
to help.