Ella, aged 3, is the beautiful and much loved daughter of our dear friends, Jo and Steve and mischievous sister of Thomas, aged 6. She is a feisty individual with great character and determination and has recently been diagnosed with a tumour on one of her kidneys and adrenal glands (ganglioneuroblastoma).
Medically, the doctors, nurses and consultants will do their jobs to the best of their ability, which leaves friends and family feeling helpless other than offer as much moral support as they can. After discussion with Ella's parents, they nominated Candlelighters as a charity they feel have given them vital support during their neediest moments.
As a result, 'Team Fletcher' has decided to cycle from Ella's home in Hemingbrough to Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria and back - a total of just over 180 miles over the weekend of 1 and 2 May 2010.
Your donation would be much appreciated to help create a little normality to parents and siblings of hospitalised children who have enough to cope with during a very difficult time.
Ella Update - 17 March 2010
The most recent medical data Jo and Steve have is that the tumour has been confirmed as a ganglioneuroblastoma. This tumour has an occurrence of less than 5 per 1,000,000 children. Ella has recently had her first course of chemotherapy with the second course due to start on 29 March 2010. As ever, Ella and her family are in good spirits and remain an inspiration to us all.
Update - 15 April 2010
Since the previous update, Ella has had 2 emergency blood transfusions and an emergency platelet transfusion, hearing tests, kidney tests and her second round of chemo. The family are waiting for a CT scan next Wednesday and most importantly the results of this scan on 26 April 2010. The results of this scan will determine the next course of treatment.
Update - 3 May 2010
I huge thank you to all who have donated, supported and helped in various ways to ensure the success of our cycle ride. The original target set was £500 to exceed this by ten times is beyond our wildest expectations. With the cycle ride finished, the fund raising will hopefully continue and we wish all the other sponsored events currently taking place or being planned every success in raising the much needed funds for Candlelighters.
The most important news now is that Ella is having a two week break from invasive treatment and hoping to return to an acceptable level of health with the intention to remove the tumour on 17 May 2010.
Update - 22 May 2010
Nearly a week on since Ella had the tumour removed, the doctors are pleased with her progress and many of the tubes she relied on have been removed. Everything appears to be working well so far.
22 May 2010 - BREAKING NEWS!!
Ella is home! The little fighter has astounded consultants, family and friends with her progress, so much so that she is home, on no major medication and can ride a trike! Approximately 98% of the tumour was removed, the remaining 2% being too dangerous to remove. Results from pathology and histology are expected this Friday.
13 June 2010 - Normality resuming!
Results from pathology are that the tumour bears more characteristics of the neuroblastoma type (malignant). With a 10-20% chance of the tumour becoming active again, Ella will be scanned every 4 to 6 months for the next 3 years alongwith various other tests throughout her childhood as a result of the chemotherapy she endured prior to surgery. Ella does not need any further treatment at this stage.
Ella is making a remarkable recovery and has attended playgroup and is doing normal everyday carefree things she should be doing (check out the last photo, taken approximately 3 weeks after surgery!).
We cannot thank you enough for all you have donated and the support given. Please continue to log on and spread the word. We will continue to update the page to keep those interested up to date with Ella's progress.
Alistair and Tracy Fletcher x
