Updated: 20th March 2014

 

Nicola has thanked everyone who became involved and helped raise funds for her appeal however, tests have shown Nicola is not suitable for treatment in America.

She has thanked everyone for their good wishes and support and has asked that any fundraising now be stopped.

Local people and clubs have raised a total of £40,000 so far and this money will be donated to the NCCA UK (Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance UK) for use towards access to treatment, furthering research plus broadening education and raising awareness.

Nicola says: “I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received from so many people whilst I have been on this journey. I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1993 and while I spent a number of years in remission I learned in 2009 that it had returned. I am fighting hard to beat it and I am grateful to the specialists who are looking after me.”

“On learning I am not suitable for treatment I wanted to tell everyone who has fundraised for me and kept me in their thoughts and prayers that I am extremely touched and grateful for everything. The money that has been raised will be used by the NCCA UK to help other families affected by neuroblastoma.”

Nicola’s family have also added their thanks to everyone who raised funds for possible treatment options.

 

UPDATED:    18 March 2014

In 1993, Nicola was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer at just 6 years old. After intensive therapy Nicola’s parents were given the news that she was in remission. Sadly in 2009, Nicola relapsed. Further chemotherapy and surgery were required after which, Nicola was eligible for nuclear trials at UCL Hospital which she completed in November 2012.

Nicola has been living with neuroblastoma for 20 years and was devastated to be told in June 2013 that she had no other treatment options available.

Her family began accessing palliative care with radiotherapy, for pain management at the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre in Antrim. Nicola’s pain was under control and up until Christmas 2013 she had been keeping quite well.

Over Christmas though, Nicola complained of numbness in her leg and started to feel a change. The pain returned and she was given five sessions of radiotherapy at the Belfast Cancer Centre.  A subsequent MRI scan in January 2014 revealed that the disease was progressing, moving up to her chest and up to her shoulders.

After attending the NCCA UK’s Annual Parent Conference in London, the family met with an international expert from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) in New York who informed them that not all hope was lost.

He suggested that genetic testing could indicate a treatment which may help Nicola however; this is most likely to be overseas. The family are currently waiting for the results of tissue samples to find out what options are left. In the meantime they are appealing for the public’s help to raise funds for children with neuroblastoma or Nicola should she need it.

Nicola’s mum, Evelyn explained, “Nicola has done everything she can to give herself a chance. Please donate to my daughter’s appeal to help others with neuroblastoma or Nicola should she need it.”

 

“All donations are made to the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance UK’s general fund, from which the trustees allocate funds for: treatment for the child concerned, as well as research, education, awareness and administration costs.”

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