Ivy’s soft toy family including her Warmies sensory dog Hazel, are her constant companions for hospital visits
A shock diagnosis
In 2024, when she was only ten years old, Ivy learnt that the cause of several severe headaches she had experienced was an optic glioma brain tumour. This devastating diagnosis changed both her life and that of her family in an instant.
Ivy’s mum, Cherry, remembers vividly the moment they received the shocking news. “It felt as though the world had stopped. Everything revolves around the diagnosis and the treatment – it becomes the focus,” she says.
The diagnosis was completely unexpected. Ivy, now 11, had experienced around four migraine-like headaches within the space of a fortnight. Each time she was sick afterwards, slept and felt better.
Initially Cherry thought it was a sickness bug. But as a precaution arranged for Ivy to see their GP, who referred her to a paediatrician at their local hospital.
Even though Ivy appeared well again at that point, an appointment was made for her to have an MRI, a couple of weeks later.
On the day of the hospital appointment, Ivy was in good spirits, having enjoyed a busy day at school, including participating in a cricket match and playing her violin with the school orchestra.
“Nothing could have prepared us for what we saw on the MRI scan. Even the hospital staff seemed as shocked as we were. No-one had discussed the possibility of a brain tumour,” Cherry recalls. “Worse still, Ivy had hydrocephalus, an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) deep within the brain caused by the tumour.
Ivy is facing a gruelling 70-week course of chemotherapy with great courage
Coping with chemo
“We were absolutely terrified that we were about to lose our daughter, who was understandably very scared and confused about what was happening to her. I don’t think we will really have fully processed the enormity of it until Ivy’s treatment finishes, which will be 18 months after she was first diagnosed.”
They were told that Ivy needed urgent treatment – so she was immediately taken to The Great North Children’s Hospital where she was treated with steroids and given a brain biopsy.
Further surgeries followed and Ivy was fitted with a portacath and a VP shunt, to help drain fluid from her brain. In September 2024 she started a 70-week course of chemotherapy to keep the tumour stable.
Ivy is experiencing fatigue caused by the chemotherapy, which means she needs a wheelchair to help her get around
“Chemo makes Ivy feel sick and wipes her out for a couple of days afterwards. Fatigue is a problem generally and she now uses a wheelchair if she has to walk any distance.”
The emotional impact on Ivy and her family is huge. But Ivy continues to face her ongoing treatment and its side effects with tremendous composure and courage.
“Ivy has been incredibly brave throughout – and feeling supported by others really helps her (and us) to stay positive.
A Kids’ Kit from Cancer Support UK gave Ivy a boost when she needed it most – she particularly loves the Warmies® sensory cuddly dog, which she named Hazel
A Kids’ Cancer Kit brings comfort to Ivy
“The Kids’ Cancer Kit that Ivy received from Cancer Support UK when she was feeling particularly down was a welcome pick-me-up, especially the Warmies® sensory dog, which Ivy has named Hazel. It’s a great favourite, which accompanies her to hospital every week and provides enormous comfort during chemo sessions. Ivy is never far from her cuddly toys, who are very much part of the family.
“Every moment of joy given to Ivy means a great deal. Thank you so much from Ivy and myself to everyone who donated towards the Kit.”
With so much of her time taken up with hospital visits and recovery, Ivy’s time in school has understandably been impacted. She’s missed out on fun activities and trips, but the kindness and support of friends new and old, plus strong relationships with family members, is helping her get through these tough times.
“The backing of family and friends, the wonderful hospital staff and charities such as Cancer Support UK has helped us all cope,” says Cherry.
“Emotionally, Ivy is immensely caring, strong and brave. She asked early on if the treatment was really necessary, and when I said it was, she understood the implications. She just quietly gets on with it and keeps smiling, even though she now really dislikes the chemotherapy and the sickness. Despite all these challenges Ivy still enjoys dancing with her friends and playing her violin.
Ivy is extremely grateful to everyone whose donations helped send her a comforting Kids’ Kit
Supporting the Fill A Kit appeal
“Ivy is grateful for all the help she has received and loves fundraising to help bring happiness to children in hospital like her. It helps give her – and us – a focus. It’s why we are proudly supporting Cancer Support UK’s Fill A Kit appeal, which aims to send more Kid’s Kits to children in need of comfort and joy.”
This Christmas, you can bring joy to a child like Ivy. Your gift will help us send Kids’ Cancer Kits to children spending the festive season in hospital. Please donate today and fill a kit with comfort, hope, and care.
