About my daughter Ayse

Ayse is a bright, kind, and incredibly resilient 14-year-old girl who will celebrate her 15th birthday on 13 December.

On 3 September 2025, after undergoing major brain surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, Ayse was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma- an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of bone cancer in children, especially when located at the base of the skull.

During her first operation, doctors could only remove a small, softer part of the tumour for biopsy and diagnosis. Although the plan had been to remove as much of it as possible, the tumour’s deep and delicate location made further surgery too dangerous at that time.

Why Ayse needs a Second Surgery

After additional MRI scans, specialist consultations, and panel reviews with surgeons at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Ayse’s medical team at GOSH concluded that a second surgery is essential.

Radiotherapy is currently not an option - the tumour lies too close to vital brain structures. Without creating sufficient space, radiotherapy could cause irreversible damage to healthy brain tissue.

Unfortunately, due to the tumour’s complexity and position, the London surgeons believe they cannot safely remove it completely.

A Life-Saving Opportunity in Turkey

Ayse was referred to Prof. Dr. Uğur Türe, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and Head of Neurosurgery at Yeditepe University Hospital in Istanbul. He is internationally recognised for successfully performing some of the most complex brain surgeries ever attempted.

After reviewing Ayse’s scans, Prof. Türe confirmed that he is confident he can safely remove the entire tumour. He also explained that Ayse’s type of tumour does not respond well to radiotherapy, making full surgical removal crucial. Only a few surgeons worldwide possess the skill and experience to attempt this operation safely and Prof. Türe is one of them.

When this plan was reviewed with Ayse’s London team, the surgeons at GOSH fully supported the decision, agreeing that complete removal under Prof. Türe’s care offers the best possible chance for Ayse’s survival.

The Cost of Hope

The surgery is scheduled to take place at Yeditepe University Hospital in Istanbul 15th December 2025.

The total estimated cost for the operation and hospital care is:

$80,000 (approximately £60,000)

Every penny raised will go directly toward Ayse’s hospital and surgical expenses.

No funds will be used for travel, accommodation, or any personal costs.

How You Can Help

We want to give Ayse the best possible chance to beat this cancer and live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Your support - whether through donating, sharing, or simply spreading the word - brings us one step closer to giving Ayse the treatment she urgently needs.

No contribution is too small. Every act of kindness counts.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, compassion, and prayers.

Together, we can help Ayse win this fight.