Support for Zaki and Family❣️

8 weeks ago my nephew Zaki was taken to A&E at Alder Hey Hospital as he had difficulty breathing and he was not himself. Within a few hours we found out he had a large mass on his heart which was later diagnosed as an inoperable, life threatening, thymoma tumour that had wrapped itself around the left ventricle, engulfing the aorta and vena cava. The tumour was the size of his chest and due to the growth progression, pushed his heart down. Along with the tumour, he had 2 large blood clots in his neck and a collapsed windpipe.

Thymoma is a rare form of cancer and Zaki is the youngest in literature to be diagnosed and the only baby under 1. It was very touch and go for the first couple of weeks. Initially, surgery was the only option however after looking at the tumour in more depth, it was deemed inoperable due to how it presented. The only option was to try and treat it with chemotherapy with the hopes of operating in the future.

On the 31st September, Zaki began his first cycle of chemotherapy. Zaki celebrated his 1st birthday in Alder Hey and he is now on his third cycle of chemo. The chemo has worked to shrink the tumour. We are hopeful that the tumour will be operable which would mean Zaki having open chest surgery to attempt to remove all of the tumour. Zaki is still in hospital after 8 long weeks, his windpipe is stable but fragile and one of the blood clots has gone however one remains.

Zaki has a beautiful sister, Zahra who has had to adjust massively being away from her brother and mum. This is a hard time for the whole family. As you would imagine going to work and money are the last thing on my sisters mind. I have had sleepless nights thinking about how we can ease the pain for my sister and her children as we don't know how long this road is going to be.

Everyone who knows my sister Caitlin knows how strong she has been and that her children are everything to her. Many friends and family have asked how they can help so I have created this page to help ease the financial burden of cancer.

Within this time, Caitlin has also moved house and is creating a beautiful home for our miracle to go home to. Those of you who know Zaki, know he is the most lovable, funny and sweet little boy and he is fighting this horrible disease.

From myself and my family, we greatly appreciate your support, kind wishes, donations and prayers for Zaki’s long road to recovery and can't thank you enough for you support during this time. Thank you.