Nancy cuddling her special warmable bear and wearing the Minion socks from the Kids’ Kit
Nancy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in May 2023 when she was just three years old. An only child, Nancy and her mum Lisa live with grandmother Sandra Hughes. They are extremely close as a family, so Nancy’s cancer diagnosis has affected them all.
Nancy being treated in Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Prior to diagnosis, Nancy was really poorly for around three weeks with frequent visits to the family’s GP to try and find out why she was so unwell.
Nancy’s grandmother Sandra recalls:
“We went to the doctor’s seven times and at one point we were told she had hay fever. Then, after a visit to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, she was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where, after a bone marrow test, we were told Nancy had ALL.
Following diagnosis, the hospital gave Nancy an emergency blood and platelets transfusions. They then started her immediately on chemotherapy, steroids and antibiotics. She was in hospital for almost four weeks, but now visits weekly for her treatment.
Nancy has remained cheerful throughout the painful treatment in hospital
Sandra says: “Nancy has made good progress with her ongoing treatment programme, both in hospital and at home. She even manages to attend school a couple of times a week when she’s able.
“Although she does miss her friends, Nancy never complains about anything and takes it all in her stride. The doctors are pleased with her progress and although she has a few hospital stays coming up, we are hopeful that at the end of December she will be able to receive maintenance treatment.
Nancy enjoys being at home with her family when not being treated in hospital
“Nancy was so excited to receive her Kid’s Kit from Cancer Support UK – she loved everything in the kit.
“She is currently writing a letter to Santa in the notebook from the kit. She adores the yo yo, which she thought was amazing, and tried the Minion socks on straightaway. The warmable bunny is also a firm favourite. Thank you so much for all her gifts.”
Nancy was devastated to lose her hair, so mum Lisa cut off her own hair too so Nancy wouldn’t feel alone
Nancy’s mum Lisa adds:
“When Nancy was first diagnosed I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it was true. Our whole lives changed. She was very poorly, suffering from frequent infections and extremely pale. Until the doctors told me that she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, I thought perhaps she just needed some iron tablets or vitamins. The hospital started treatment using steroids and chemotherapy straight away. Eventually her hair started to fall out, but for a while she wouldn’t let me cut it off. Finally Nancy allowed me to cut it and was heartbroken. So I cut mine off, too, so she didn’t feel alone.”
Nancy update – January 2024
Sandra, Nancy’s grandmother, recently contacted us with the best news anyone could wish for…
“Nancy is now out of hospital, having had her last round of chemo and is officially into maintenance treatment. I can’t believe this day has come, she will need another three lumbar punctures over the next couple of months, but she will continue her oral chemo here at home. Everything is going in the right direction and we are all so happy. Lisa is now able to return to work and hopefully, this month (January) Nancy can go back to school.”
Help us restore smiles across the UK with a regular gift
Nancy and her family are so grateful for the comfort you have given her. Your donations helped send a Kids’ Kit and a Cuddles bear to Nancy when she most needed a morale boost. It’s been a tough journey for Nancy and it’s not all over yet, but your kindness at a difficult time, meant the world to her. We really appreciate all your support. However, in 2024, we need to send out even more cancer kits to children and adults going through cancer treatment. With a regular gift you could help us restore smiles across the UK – so please visit our donate page where you can find details on how to make a monthly donation. Thank you.
