Support Kyra’s fight against lymphoma

Hi everyone,

This is a story I never hoped to tell but on October 9th, Kyra my daughter, was diagnosed with high grade Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL), a type of blood Cancer.

Kyra is 22 years old has just completed her BSc in Physiotherapy. On the day of diagnosis, she was only weeks away from starting an exciting new job as an NHS Physiotherapist and a pitchside Physiotherapist for Plymouth Argyle Academy. With this unexpected challenge we realise the need for support.

Donations will go towards easing the financial burden so she can fully focus on her recovery and chemotherapy treatments, without added stress. She doesn’t live at home and doesn’t have an income, despite passing the interview stages for her jobs she has not yet signed the contracts. In the next few months, your donations will be a huge help towards her living expenses such as rent, food, council tax, bills and also wigs, as the NHS no longer provide them.

So many people have kindly expressed their desire to help and support in some way. We are truly humbled, grateful and appreciative of any support offered and will continue to stay strong, positive minded and battle this together.

Words and story so far from my beautiful daughter Kyra herself:

Since the start of August I’ve experienced symptoms like: breathlessness, wheezing, a persistent cough, difficultly breathing when lying on my back, occasional chest pain and itchiness (especially at night). I also noticed weight loss, which I thought was from running more, but clearly it wasn’t the cause…

At first it was so easy to dismiss these symptoms as something like a chest infection, asthma or eczema. But after failed antibiotics and inhalers, I was referred for a chest x-ray, which showed a large mass in my mediastinum compressing on my airways. A CT scan and a biopsy followed, and Lymphoma was diagnosed…

On Wednesday 16th October I’ll begin my first round of Chemotherapy, aiming for 6 cycles, one every 2 weeks. I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m terrified.

I was excited to be starting as an NHS Physiotherapist & a pitchside Physio for Plymouth Argyle Academy next month, truly feeling like I was ‘living my best life’. This past week has made me realise how valuable life is and how quickly it can change in such a short space of time.

I also think it’s SO important to raise awareness!! Although it’s a rare condition, with no known cause, it is most common in women aged 20-30yrs and the symptoms can easily be dismissed. As a 22 year old, with life after uni just about to start, this is the last thing I thought I’d have to face. So, please look out for signs in yourself, or people you know, it’s always better to get them checked.

This week has been filled with so many emotions but also SO much love. It’s all about staying positive and laughing over the next few months, even on the bad days!! I appreciate everyone around me and know together we’ve got this.

Thank you so much for reading, for your love, support, and will be incredibly grateful any small donations you’re able to give. Many thanks in advance.