Oscars second Ependymoma Brain Tumour Diagnosis

Please help 12 year old Oscar with his second Ependymoma brain tumour diagnosis

I have been given permission on behalf of the family to share Oscar’s story.

As some of you may already be aware, at the age of three Oscar was diagnosed with a very rare cancerous brain tumour called an Ependymoma. At the time only two children a year were diagnosed with this tumour in the UK.

In May 2016 after 4 days of severe vomiting and headaches he was admitted to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he had his first MRI scan. The scan devastatingly showed a large tumour, without surgery Oscar was given just two weeks to live.

Less than 72 hours later he underwent surgery, they were able to remove most of the tumour, unfortunately a lumbar puncture two weeks after revealed that the cancer had spread into Oscars spinal fluid and a lengthy course of radiotherapy would be his only chance of cure.

After undergoing 33 sessions of radiotherapy under general anaesthetic to his brain and spine over six and a half weeks he was finally given the all clear. His life path had been changed but he was still here to follow it and we were eternally grateful.

Oscar has had routine MRI scans since finishing his treatment, firstly every three months, moving to every six and more recently annually.

As Oscar approaches his 13th birthday, 9 years after first being diagnosed, tragically his latest scan has revealed he has relapsed and has another Ependymoma brain tumour. This wonderfully kind, caring and funny boy has been thrown back into a world nobody should ever have to experience.

Oscar’s oncologist was unsure if surgery would be possible this time due to the location of the tumour, although it is more difficult his surgeon has agreed to proceed, Oscar is due to undergo surgery 8/8/2025. The stakes are high and 100% tumour removal is needed for cure.

Money raised will be used to treat Oscar after surgery, allowing him to make special memories with his family as well as supporting the family with day-to-day life and travel costs whilst Rachael is no longer able to work at this unthinkable time.

If the operation isn’t as successful as we hope and pray, this money will undoubtably go towards any trials or treatments not available through the NHS that may be available to Oscar. This will be explored with the EMAG National Ependymoma Advisory Group once the outcome of the surgery is known.

The family would like to keep everyone updated and will aim to do so, any help at all will be so very greatly appreciated. Please keep this amazing little boy in your thoughts and prayers, show support and give him the hope that better days are coming.