Arianna’s neuroblastoma story
“How can we be in 2026 and the cancer treatment that our kids are going through is not only the same as it was back in the 1950s… but the fact that they were originally designed for adults.”
Abigail, Arianna’s mum
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Noticing something was wrong
When Arianna was born, she was a miracle baby who grew into a strong and determined girl with a passion for performing and signing. But when she started suffering from back pain, her mum Abigail knew something wasn’t right.
Within six days, Arianna went from running around to struggling to walk. She’d been to A&E eight times, urgent care twice, and seen a GP, but the doctors insisted they knew what was wrong. Her mum said: “They thought it was a kidney infection.”
When Arianna’s condition worsened, they suspected sepsis or meningitis, but she wasn’t admitted to hospital, and nurses would administer intravenous antibiotics at her home. The family were told to wait for them to kick in, but she continued to deteriorate. Eventually, Arianna was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma.
The impact of treatment
Arianna’s treatment was so aggressive that her doctors had no choice but to treat it as hard and fast as possible, whatever the cost to her body, to save her life. She now walks on the balls of her feet, heels raised, because the muscle in her legs were permanently tightened. She also suffers from intermittent tummy pain and has lost her high-frequency hearing.
The treatment also impacted the family.
“When Arianna started losing her hair, one of my daughters started pulling out her hair and she’d end up having bald patches. We were told that was due to the stress of us not being home because we were in the hospital so much, and also her seeing Arianna without hair. We ended up having to shave her hair.”
Abigail, Arianna’s mum
Focusing on tomorrow
Arianna’s health is good and she’s back to singing and dancing.
“She wants to be a singer when she’s older. She loves writing songs and that kind of started when she was in the hospital. Now she wants to turn them into music.”
Abigail, Arianna’s mum
But the treatment left its mark. Because the drugs that were used were not designed for Arianna or any child. They were designed for adults.
Abigail said: “I think it’s atrocious that we’re in this day and age, and we’re still treating our kids with treatment designed for adults. It’s absolutely mad.”