Anxious wait for brave youngster
Alexander Strong (7) of Burnham Rd, Epworth, who a rare form of children's cancer called Neuroblastoma is pictured at home with his sister Olivia, cousin Isobel and pet dog Tilly.
THE PARENTS of a young boy with a rare form of cancer face an anxious wait for test results which will determine how he should be treated.
Alexander Strong, seven, of Burnham Road, Epworth, has a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma and his family are attempting to raise £90,000 so he can have specialist treatment overseas.
But recent tests showed the cancer had spread and he was due to have another scan yesterday as the Bells’ was going to press to see if the condition had got any worse.
Once the results are finalised, parents Mark and Maxine, are due to travel with him to see a children’s cancer specialist at University College London Hospital on October 17 who will determine the best course of treatment.
Mr Strong, 46, who is a chartered engineer, said: “Alex had a scan a few weeks ago which showed that the cancer had spread to one of his thighs, the bottom of spine and to his skull.
“He is also recovering from shingles and chickenpox.
“He had been accepted on a UK wide trial into antibody therapy, which helps his immune system battle the cancer. But he can no longer do that because of the changes to his condition.
“We will wait for the latest test results and then see the doctor in London. He will formulate what the best way forward is in terms of treatment.
“It is very complicated but hopefully things will be clearer then.”
He added that the family were still hoping to raise enough money to pay for Alex to have the antibody therapy in Germany.
“He can’t have the treatment in the UK but there still may be a chance he can have it overseas so long as we can raise enough money,” Mr Strong added.
“Around £25,000 has been raised so far and we are so grateful to everyone who has donated money.
“The response has been absolutely fantastic and it is quite humbling.
“We just want to do the very best we can for our son. Alex has been so brave throughout all of this.”
A Halloween event has been organised to take place at the Imperial Hall in Epworth between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday, October 30, in aid of the fundraising effort.
The event will include a fancy dress competition, face painting, a tombola and raffle, cake stall, bouncy castle, guess the name of the teddy, guess how many sweets in the jar, and refreshments.
Admission is by donation on entry.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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