Saving Emma

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Emma is my sister, and it's with a heavy heart that I am having to write this fundraiser. Emma is a fantastic Mam to Thomas who is fourteen ( he's going to be an inventor one day) and lives in the Peterlee area of the North East.

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem Glioma ( brain tumour) in February 2017 a course of Radiotherapy was given, we were so happy as this stopped the growth of the tumour, Emma began to live a normal life again, spending time with Thomas and her family and going to the gym with me (her gym buddy).

In December 2019, we got the dreaded news that a second tumour had been found close to the first. The Doctors couldn't decide the best action for this and as time went on, a course of Radiotherapy was decided.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 Emmas treatment was postponed.

Emma returned for a scan in June where a third tumour was found, this was followed by 3 rounds of Chemotherapy, which unfortunately didn’t work due to the brains defence mechanism ( smart bugger). She still managed 3 gyms sessions a week and worked full time for Durham County Council, but its proving difficult to keep her on her feet, after a biopsy has left her with numbness and problems with her motor skills, focus and balance.

As I write this, her team in the NHS have little options for us to take, and with the latest tumours being astrocytic ( star like where they form in the brain) operating is not possible. There is however special treatment available via at least two other avenues, but these are not available on the NHS and cost £30,000 - £100,000.

Dendritic cell therapy is an option, which is a treatment to fight cancer using your blood as opposed to Radiation and/or Chemotherapy, this has had great success for brain tumours. We are also in touch with My Tomorrow's a company which connects you with the right treatment for specialist conditions which are inoperable.

We are reaching out to our family, friends and the great general public to help us raise funds to get my sister lifesaving treatment.
This can be done by donating, sharing our story to everyone and anyone you know, setting up fundraising ideas or events - whatever you can do will be truly appreciated. We cant do this without you and will be eternally grateful for any donations or support, large or small.

As the tumour is aggressive and growing quickly we don't have a lot of time, but we think this is the best chance for Emma to live a fulfilling life with Thomas and her family.

From a Mam, Dad, Sisters, Brother, Partner,  Son and the rest of the family who love Emma dearly, we thankyou from the bottom of our hearts.

Karen and the Selby family
#savingemma