On 20th April this year, we received the devastating news that our precious little boy has Stage IV Neuroblastoma. A rare children’s cancer that is aggressive and harder to treat than other cancers.
Our world has fallen apart. This cannot be described as “our worst nightmare”. My worst nightmare would have been for Craig or I to get cancer. For our 2 year old boy to be diagnosed with the dreaded C word is too horrific for our imaginations to have ever explored before. I would have cancer in a heartbeat, if I could have his.
Corey is the centre of our world. He, along with his older brother, is what makes us smile everyday. A fun loving, energetic and mischievous child, he has made our life full of happiness and so much fun.
Our eldest son Kian, was born with a congenital heart defect, and had life saving, open heart surgery when he was 10 days old. Kian is now a happy, healthy 5 year old. We are told there is no link and that we have just been very very unlucky.
Currently….
Corey has begun his intensive induction chemotherapy treatment. This alone has turned our babe unrecognisable from the boy that crept into our room every morning, jumped onto our bed and made it an enjoyable start to each day. He has just undergone major surgery to remove the tumour.
Corey’s treatment plan is going to be a long and frightening one. Whilst likely to be hospitalised for the best part of 12 months, we face the risk of infections, side effects, constant medication and more worryingly the chance of not responding to the treatment he receives here in the UK.
There are many children that have not survived this evil cancer. We are at the start of our fight and we need to give our precious boy the best possible chance of going on to live a long and happy life. The next stage of Corey's treatment will be high dose chemo in isolation. This will mean 4 to 8 weeks in complete isolation, prior to stem-cell transplant.
The Future...
We are absolutely determined to give Corey every possible chance to beat this disease. We are raising money on behalf of charities who specialise in providing support and advice to families. We believe Corey's chances are significantly improved if given immunotherapy treatment at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Proven trials in the US show that specific immunotherapy treatments significantly improve his chances of not relapsing.
Given the bigger population, America is better prepared to deal with this type of cancer that only affects 80-100 people here in the UK, each year. Extensive research has shown us that Corey would have an improved chance of survival with the treatment that is offered in America as opposed to the withholding drugs as part of the randomised trial offered in the UK. It is going to cost atover £200,00 to ensure Corey is given the best immunotherapy treatment available; a huge amount of money.
Please take our word that he is worth every penny and more.
If you can help, please help. Even a little can help a lot.
Many many thanks for reading,
Corey’s Mummy, Daddy, brother Kian, Nana’s, Grandad, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.