A Dublin family had their worst nightmare confirmed when their daughter started having headaches - before being diagnosed with cancer.
Seven-year-old Faye Miley had a sudden onset of headaches and vomiting in March of this year. Her parents Robert and Sandra initially believed that she was suffering from a virus, so they kept an eye on her in the hope that she would recover successfully.
However, by April, her symptoms still hadn't gotten any better, which led to her being taken to an opticians.
There, she was diagnosed with inflammation of both of her optical nerves and sent to the Eye and Ear Hospital, but that only confirmed that she needed more help.
After a scan in Our Ladies Hospital, a "lesion" was found on her brain.
Sandra explained: "We were immediately transferred to Temple St Hospital. Initial thoughts were that it was benign, and we were relieved. Faye had surgery to resect a 5cm thalamic tumour from her brain.
"The surgery removed 80% of her tumour, but unfortunately, just days later, we got the news that no parent ever wanted to hear."
Faye was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV (GBM 4) H3K27 Mutation. The diagnosis was devastating, as it is a high-grade form of cancer, and the prognosis is poor.
Sandra says that Faye has reacted extremely well to her surgery, recovery and her radiotherapy.
But the journey ahead is a difficult one which may require help from outside of Ireland, with over €100,000 already being donated in a GoFundMe by generous supporters.
"She is our hero and our inspiration. Unfortunately, we have a long road ahead, and we WILL have to travel for further treatment that is unavailable in Ireland to help our little princess. Sadly, this will not be funded by the HSE." the family added.
You can donate to the cause here.
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