Our son Frank was Diagnosed with a Grade 3 Ependymoma Brain Tumour. The tumour was discovered on the 23rd May 2024 after Frank had been unwell for two weeks. After multiple visits to the Drs we were told he had a viral infection. Frank deteriorated incredibly fast and after taking him to the hospital he was being treated for an infection. On the 23rd Frank had a seizure and stopped breathing whilst laying on me. After an MRI discovered the tumour Frank was put in an induced coma and blue lighted to GOSH and rushed straight into surgery to fit a drain in his brain to help the hydrocephalus and relieve pressure before surgery to remove the tumour. He spent a few nights in intensive care.

Frank spent 6 weeks in gosh recovering, he had to relearn everything again, even being able to swallow. Frank then had a permanent shunt fitted in his brain as it could no longer drain his CFS fluid by itself. Unfortunately he also now suffers from seizures.

Frank then went on and had 30 sessions of Proton beam Therapy at UCLH where he had a General anaesthetic every day.

Frank has shown us what a strong, amazing, resilient little boy he is. He is still not yet talking or walking but showing how much he wants to. He has had the hardest year but his strength keeps us all going.

Young Lives vs Cancer supported us through it all and we couldn’t be more grateful to them.