Hello, we’re Elissa & Anthony, the luckiest parents in the world to have Capri has our daughter.

A week after Capri’s 1st birthday, I took her to the GP for what we thought was a poorly ear. We were told she had an ear infection and sent home with antibiotics.

The following week we returned, knowing something still wasn’t right. We were referred to our local hospital where a CT scan was completed. Our world crumbled when we were told Capri had an extensive brain tumour. That night, she was blue-lighted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further treatment.

On 18th November, Capri underwent 12 hours of brain surgery to remove the tumour. Sadly, surgeons were only able to remove around 80%.

While Capri recovered, the tumour was sent away for testing. On 22nd November, we received the devastating news that due to the rare and aggressive type of cancer she has, without complete removal of the tumour we would likely only have two months with our beautiful girl.

The following week, Capri became septic and was rushed to ICU. Thanks to the incredible care she received, she recovered. During this time, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool became our lifeline. They told us that due to their intra-operative MRI, they may be able to remove more of Capri’s tumour.

The following week we travelled by ambulance to Liverpool. With another team of incredible surgeons and another long operation, we finally received the result we had been praying for. They were able to remove enough of the tumour for chemotherapy to become an option.

Like the superstar she is, Capri was awake and smiling again within two days.

We have since returned to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where Capri underwent a stem cell harvest and further surgery to fit a shunt to reduce pressure on her brain. On 20th December, she began her first of six rounds of intensive chemotherapy.

We have gone from having no hope to having a chance for our daughter.

Capri is sassy, full of cuddles, and still the kind, sweet little girl we know and love. She is also a fighter, and both her dad and I want to be by her side for every second of this journey.

We haven’t left the hospital in over a month. We’ve slept beside her on the ward, caring for her through surgeries, sepsis, vomiting, and recovery.

Our employers have been incredibly supportive, but the long-term nature of Capri’s treatment means huge financial sacrifices for us both in order to stay by her side. We are doing everything we can to prepare—taking a mortgage pause and reducing bills wherever possible.

During the small breaks we may get at home between rounds of chemotherapy, we need to adapt our home for Capri’s needs. This includes specialising her nursery with medical and physio equipment, furniture, and feeding pumps, as well as planning for longer-term adaptations throughout the house.

Having only returned from maternity leave two months before Capri’s diagnosis, we simply haven’t had the opportunity to build savings. We want to give Capri the very best chance throughout her treatment, and that means both of us being present for the long road ahead—one we pray leads to a long, happy, and thriving life.

My husband and I have never been ones to ask for help, but now we are asking—humbly and gratefully—for any kindness people may be able to offer.

We would love to keep everyone updated on Capri’s progress, so please follow for further updates. We would also like to donate money to those charities that have been able to support us such as The Sick Children’s Trust & Ronald McDonald House (who gave us a room close by to stay while Capri was in the ICU) and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital & Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (who have given her every chance).

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting our family.

With love,

Elissa, Anthony, and our beautiful Capri