A COVENTRY woman has launched a crowdfunder to give her ‘amazing’ three-year-old niece Everleigh McGregor the best chance of beating an extremely rare form of cancer.
Everleigh has been diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT) a malignant and aggressive form of cancer which affects the spinal cord and brain, making it very difficult to remove.
Young children diagnosed with ATRT have poor responses to treatment due to the severity of this type of cancer.
But Everleigh’s family have been amazed by her courage as she fights the odds, prompting them to coin a new phrase to describe her bravery- ‘Ev’ing it’.
Her aunt Anna Hallway has now started a GoFundMe page to support her niece, and parents Kayleigh and Michael, who are currently having to make two-hour round trips to Hospital as well as paying nursery fees for their son Dexter.
Cash raised will also allow Kayleigh and Michael to pay their mortgage and bills while they prepare for Everleigh to come home, as well as providing medical equipment so she can live as independently as possible.
Everleigh first noticed symptoms while on holiday in August when she started waking in the night complaining of knee pain.
After multiple doctor and hospital appointments, Everleigh’s family received the devastating news she had a 7.5cm tumour growing in her spine.
The brave three-year-old underwent spinal surgery at the beginning of October to remove most of the tumour, but her nerves were severely compressed and damaged meaning her right leg is now paralysed below the knee and she has to use a wheelchair.
She is currently battling through radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which has caused her to lose her appetite and led to her needing to have an NGH tube to be fitted.
Any cash not used to support the family from the GoFundMe page will be shared between Bristol Children’s Hospital and Clic Sargent.
Anna said: “The definition of ‘Ev’ing it’ is to overcome the impossible which is exactly what Everleigh is determined to do – she is beyond inspirational.
“Despite the horrendous things she has to endure daily, Everleigh still laughs, jokes and smiles.
“She is our feisty, chatty, and beautiful little girl whose strength and determination are beyond measure.”
Visit gofundme.com/f/help-ev-beat-cancer to donate.
