A child to be really proud of.

[celtic]

I'm not normally one for posting personal stuff on blonde, but tonight i feel compelled to do so. This is my daughter Holly, she is 12 years old. In February 2009 she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. She underwent 8 rounds of chemotherapy, several operations, then some high dose chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant then finally radiotherapy, all in the space of 7 months. The results were good and the tumours had shrunk to almost nothing, but the consultants weren't concerned as they were almost invisible.

All was fine until Christmas when Holly started to get leg pain, the same symptom that led to her being diagnosed initially. After 3 weeks of tests it was confirmed on the 18th January that she had relapsed. At the moment, there is no cure for relapsed neuroblastoma. This was the worst news any parent could ever be told about their child. The doctors said that all they could do was try and maximise her quality of life for the time she has left. Last Friday the doctors advised us that the treatment wasn't helping Holly in any way. She had in fact been in hospital for 4 weeks and wasn't feeling any better.

So, Holly's mum and the consultant broke the news to Holly that unfortunately she was not going to be getting better. Initially she was understandably very upset but remarkably, quickly calmed down and came to terms with the fact that she was going to die. Her bravery & courage really has been an amazing source of strength to me and the rest of the family. The way she has handled the whole situation without moaning or complaining at having to go through all the treatment really has made her my hero. She could teach a few people i know a thing or two about not moaning when things don't quite go the way you want them to.

Holly doesn't have long left, probably a couple of days or so and have been spending as much time with her as possible over the past couple of months. She hasn't lived with me since she was 4 but i have always seen her 4 times a week, every week since.

Please remember her in your thoughts this weekend.

Vince

[GreekStein]

I've known for a while and how you and especially Holly have dealt with this is amazing.

My thoughts are with you and you have my number if you need anything at all. She's a special girl.

xxx

[Woodsey]

Enjoy the time you have left

[George2Loose]

Mate I'm actually in tears. No parent should ever have to go through this. I am astounded by her bravery. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[LeedsRhodesy]

 mate i think thats the 1st post that has ever brought a tear to my eye, i hope you have a great few days/weeks left togeher and you both have a lot a great memorys  

My thoughts are with you both tonight

[Girgy85]

Horrible news so sorry to hear this but a vary brave girl. My thoughts will be with you and your family over the weekend!

Godbless x

[Colchester Kev]

i really am lost for words Vinny, my heart aches for you all.

xxx

[Acidmouse]

My thoughts are with your brave daughter

[Ginger]

Words are simply inadequate, my thoughts go out to all of you xxx

[LeKnave]

so sad to hear this mate.

[TightEnd]

So Sorry to hear this Vinny. As you say, she sounds incredibly brave. Thinking of you all over the next few days mate.

[ChipRich]

  Devastating news, so sad to hear this m8.

My thoughts are with you, and enjoy the time you have left

xxx

[amcgrath1uk]

Absolutely devastating news

Enjoy every second you have left, my thoughts are with you all

xxx

[Ismene]

All my love xx

[hatthehole]

thoughts are with you and your daughter.  very sad news