In a small room at Sheffield Children’s A&E on the 9th of December 22, Hollie’s world shattered as she received the devastating news about her daughter, Sophia. A large mass in Sophia’s abdomen, likely cancerous, was the heart-wrenching diagnosis that no parent should ever have to face. The next 12 days were filled with anxiety and uncertainty until, on the 21st of December, the confirmation arrived – Sophia had Grade 3 High Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma, and her tumor measured over 1L in volume.
As if the news of the diagnosis wasn’t enough, Sophia’s journey took an even more challenging turn. In the period between confirming her diagnosis and commencing chemotherapy on the 28th of December, Sophia’s kidneys began to swell and became blocked, presenting a serious threat to her health. In a race against time, emergency surgery was performed to insert external drains into her kidneys, saving them from failing.
During this difficult time, Hollie sought support from Evestrust in January, hoping to provide Sophia with a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty. The need for a P Pod chair became evident, offering Sophia a safe and secure place to sit as she battled through the challenges of treatment. Sophia’s initial hospital stay was 8 weeks, and her condition left her without functional movement – she couldn’t sit unsupported or stand.
Hollie’s conversation with Evestrust was filled with compassion and understanding. The Evestrust team made the process feel seamless, taking the time to understand Sophia’s needs and discussing the various options for acquiring the P Pod chair. The impact of Evestrust’s support was immediate and profound – within just 5 days of reaching out for help, Sophia’s P Pod was ordered!
Since Evestrust funded Sophia’s P Pod, it has become an indispensable part of her daily life. At home, the P Pod offers Sophia a place to rest and find solace. During the 8 weeks of proton beam therapy at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, the P Pod was a trusted companion, providing comfort during challenging treatments.
Hollie’s heart overflows with gratitude for Evestrust’s kindness and generosity. The P Pod chair, made possible by Evestrust’s support, played a crucial role in Sophia’s early days of treatment, making it possible for her to come home and be surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Evestrust recognizes the power of dreams in transforming lives. Sophia’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals like her. With your continued support, Evestrust can continue to make dreams come true, offering comfort, hope, and joy to families facing cancer diagnoses.
Empowering Dreams, Embracing Hope: Sophia’s story reminds us of the importance of supporting families facing cancer diagnoses. Through your generosity and compassion, dreams like Sophia’s can become a reality, offering families a beacon of hope during their darkest days. Join Evestrust in making a difference – your support can change lives!
