Ruby is our 22 month old little girl, who was diagnosed in December 2018 with a type of cancer called High Risk Neuroblastoma. A large (12cm) tumour was found in her abdomen, and after many tests, biopsy's and MRI scans, a decision to start an intensive treatment protocol was made. She has started intensive Chemotherapy, which she has every 10 days, in hopes that it will make the tumour suitable for surgical removal.

This is not the end of the journey for Ruby however. She has 18 months worth of treatment ahead of her, with stem cell transplants, a period of very high dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Following this, Ruby will need to travel abroad to have further treatment, and thats the part we need your help with!

Neuroblastoma is rare and very aggressive form of childhood cancer, and is notoriously difficult to treat, due to its fast growing nature and very high chances of relapse. Approximately 50-60% of kids do relapse, and then less than 1 in 10 make it through. Unfortunately Ruby has a genetic variation, called MYCN amplification which shows an overall very poor prognosis of a 30% survival rate.

The follow up treatment abroad, called DFMO, is designed to reduce her chances of relapsing, and would significantly increase her chances of survival. This treatment is only available in the US, but is showing very promising results in children with the same diagnosis as little Ruby.

So far Ruby has been just amazing! We are in awe of her strength and resilience. Enduring massively toxic drugs, countless general anaesthetics for MRIs, biopsy’s, central line installation, and a new NG tube to help her nutrition. She’s a seriously badass little lady.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and big big big thanks to those who have shown so much support already.