Tallula is 14 years old, bursting with creativity and personality. Just a few weeks ago, our lives took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that targets the soft tissues in the body.

In her case, the tumour began behind her nose and started to push into her brain. It’s a tricky spot to treat, but she’s currently going through intensive chemotherapy as part of a well-thought-out treatment plan. Every day, she faces this challenge with a bravery that inspires us all. Even amidst the struggle, she still manages to make us laugh, her dry sense of humour is as strong as ever.

One of the main chemotherapy drugs she’s receiving is Doxorubicin. While it’s crucial for her treatment, it’s also known to potentially cause long-term heart issues, particularly in younger patients. To help mitigate this risk, there’s a protective medication called Dexrazoxane, which can significantly lower the chances of future heart complications.

Although Tallula’s Doxorubicin dosage is just shy of the NHS threshold for Dexrazoxane to be automatically funded, there’s a real hope for a positive long-term outcome. That’s why we’re so determined to protect not just her life now, but her heart for the future. If the treatment is successful, we want her to emerge from this with a strong heart and a bright future ahead.

Currently, Dexrazoxane isn’t covered by the NHS for Tallula, and the full course of the medication, six doses, totals £1,960, which breaks down to £326.67 per treatment cycle. We’ve set up this GoFundMe with a goal of £2,000 to cover those costs. Tallula’s Doxorubicin dose is just below the NHS threshold for Dexrazoxane to be automatically funded.

If we’re fortunate enough to raise more than needed, Tallula would love to donate any extra funds to The Little Princess Trust, who generously provided her with a beautiful real-hair wig at no cost.

We’re not asking for extras, just the chance to give Tallula the best possible foundation for a healthy life beyond cancer.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting us through this journey.

With love and gratitude,

Kate (Tallulas Mum)