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10 children and young people are still being diagnosed every day in the UK.
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Matilda was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on 24 February 2022 when she was just three years old. Her mum Hannah tells their story so far:
Support children like Matilda so that they have a future they deserve.
On the 24 February 2022 our beautiful daughter Matilda was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, she was three years and four months old. From that moment, our world seemed to stop spinning whilst the world around us just carried on. Within the space of 30 hours from taking her to see the GP, she had a diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, received a general anaesthetic, started chemotherapy treatment, and began steroids.
I had taken Matilda to see her GP as she had symptoms of being incredibly pale, lethargic, had small pin prick bruising, a swollen tummy and was frequently getting colds. I had a feeling deep down that there was something wrong and when the GP asked me what I think it is, my head said cancer. But nothing could have ever prepared us for her to actually receive that diagnosis.
We barely had time to process what was happening before we were thrown into the world of cancer. We had to learn quickly what ALL was and what the treatment for it was which we couldn’t have done without the amazing staff at the hospital. I can’t even put into words how proud we are of our wonderful Matilda The Brave. She has been battling this now for almost 17 months and she’s due to finish her treatment in April 2024.
Our beautiful and strong girl has received 561 doses of chemotherapy, 432 blood tests, two port removal surgeries, four bone marrow aspirations, 19 lumbar punctures, 24 general anaesthetics, seven blood and platelet transfusion, 127 days of neutropenia, 75 overnight stays in hospital, 385 days of steroids and trips to clinic, 31 NG tube changes, hair loss, loss of mobility, pain, sickness, mucositis and neuropathic pain. But she is here 17 months later having her first day at school, still fighting, showing strength, showing resilience, showing kindness and love, still smiling her infectious beautiful smile.
MATILDA THE BRAVE ✨
Hannah, Matilda’s Mum, October 2023
If you’ve been touched by Matilda’s journey, help us invest in the high quality research that really matters which would otherwise go unfunded.
This helps to support children with cancer so they can be with their families for longer.
Many of our supporters have been affected by childhood cancer – either through family, friends or their own personal experience. These patient stories can help inspire others to get involved with us, or can support our media work.
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