Passion, laughter, hopes and dreams, surrounded by the love of family and friendships... Then bit by bit cancer robbed her of it all and one week after her 18th birthday, instead of launching carefree on the adventure to adulthood, it delivered its final blow ... her memory, hopes and dreams forever frozen in time. 

Here is Isabelle’s story...   

In December 2016, following two years of increasing neck pain, she was diagnosed with EHE (epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, an extremely rare cancer) and was thrust into a world of hospitals, IV drips, pain and fear...   In March 2017 she underwent major surgery to her neck and spine, followed by three months of radiation and proton treatment, which removed the cancer, but left her unable to swallow. In August she started having agonising chest pain, only to then be told the cancer was now in her left lung. She was given aggressive chemo, which led her to spend weeks in hospital due to the debilitating side effects and numerous complications. To quote Isabelle, ‘life sucks’.  Finally, after a long and very brave fight against this devastating disease, Isabelle passed away on the 7th February 2018. 

EHE is a rare vascular tumour that arises from the lining of blood vessels. It can appear almost anywhere in the body, but common sites include the liver, lungs, and bones. The cause of EHE is presently unknown, and no proven treatments exist. The cancer often metastases throughout the body and possesses the ability to transform into an extremely aggressive state with little or no warning. In short, EHE is an unpredictable disease.

The EHE Rare Cancer Charity funds research into finding a cure and provides invaluable support to patients and families, whose lives are affected by this devastating disease. Sadly however, very rare cancer research gets no funding from governments, none from the pharmaceutical companies, and almost zero even from the big cancer charities. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. 

Thank you Claire-Anne, OJ and Sebastian 💕