Abigail's Story
Abigail was just 4 years old, when she began experiencing severe headaches and random vomiting in August 2023. These symptoms worsened, prompting a visit to A&E where an MRI revealed a large mass in her brain…
“The news was devastating. We couldn’t believe what was happening to our little girl. One moment, everything seemed normal, and the next, our world was turned upside down.”
Treatment
In late September, Abigail was rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital, just a day before her sister’s 10th birthday. Four days later, she underwent surgery to remove the tumour, which was later diagnosed as Medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer.
Abigail was home six days after surgery, but within a month, she was back in Addenbrookes to begin her first round of chemotherapy. Over the next several months, she would undergo six rounds of chemotherapy, including one high-dose round with stem cell infusion. She also had a Hickman line inserted for chemotherapy and an NG tube for medication and nutrition.
“Seeing Abigail go through this was heart-wrenching. But the one thing that amazed us was her strength. She fought through the worst of it with a smile.”
Challenges
The following months were tough, with Abigail spending much of the time in the hospital, including over Christmas. One of the side effects of the chemotherapy was hearing loss, and Abigail now wears a hearing aid. But despite the challenges, Abigail remained joyful and found ways to make the best of difficult situations.
“There were days when I didn’t know how we were going to make it through. But Abigail’s strength and ability to stay positive kept us going. We took things one step at a time, and with every hurdle, we saw how strong she truly is.”
Support & Respite
Abigail’s family received invaluable support from Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, which included a respite holiday once her treatment was complete. This break allowed the family to recharge after an exhausting and emotional time.
“The respite holiday was a lifeline. It was so important for us to spend time as a family, away from hospitals and treatment. Lennox helped us through some of our darkest days and gave us memories we’ll cherish forever.”
A Brighter Future
Today, Abigail remains NED (no evidence of disease) and has regular MRIs to monitor her health. Though her journey is far from over, Abigail’s resilience and strength continue to inspire everyone around her.
“Abigail’s journey isn’t finished, but every day she’s out of treatment is a victory. We are so proud of how far she’s come.”
How You Can Help
Abigail’s story is just one of many families affected by childhood cancer. Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund provides essential support, including financial aid, emotional support, and respite breaks for families facing similar challenges.
“We are so grateful for the help we’ve received. Lennox made a huge difference in our lives, and we know they are helping countless other families like ours.”
With your support, we can continue providing help to families like Abigail’s. Donate today to make a difference.