Our History

In May 2013 our lives changed forever when at 2 years old Isabelle was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour called Medulloblastoma. 

 

Over an eight weeks period we noticed that Isabelle had started to become unsteady on her feet, but we were reassured by a variety of doctors that there was nothing wrong.  An eye test then revealed that there was significant pressure behind Isabelle’s eyes, which needed further investigation.  A CT scan then revealed a tumour in the back of Isabelle’s brain and required immediate surgery; at this point we were blue lighted from Wrexham to Alder Hey, Childrens’ Hospital in Liverpool for life saving surgery. 

 

To date, Isabelle has had five brain operations, one of which was a grueling 12 hours long.  This was followed by eight cycles of induction chemotherapy and two cycles of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell recovery.  Treatment was concluded with 6 weeks (30 sessions) of radiotherapy to where the tumour originally was. 

 

Isabelle’s strength, resilience and tenacity never cease to amaze us.  The surgery left Isabelle with nerve damage affecting the right side of her body.  She has since relearnt to walk, use her right arm again and adjusted to drinking thickened liquids for twelve months whilst the swallow function recovered.  She has now blossomed into the most amazing, confident little girl and we are so proud of her!

 

Following Isabelle’s experience, we her family and friends have launched “The Isabelle Lottie Foundation”.  We aim to improve awareness of brain tumours in children and young adults, fund and raise the profile of supporting organisations and neurosurgical research.