A young child suffered from partial vision loss due to a misdiagnosed ear infection that turned out to be a severe condition. Chloe Kefford, who was three years old at the time, was first taken to the emergency room when she started showing symptoms like car sickness and balance issues.
Initially diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed antihistamines, Chloe’s health deteriorated, prompting her parents to seek further medical evaluation. Subsequent tests revealed a brain tumor on her optic nerve.
Hailing from Formby, Merseyside, Chloe underwent extensive treatment, including open brain surgery and proton beam therapy, over a span of three and a half years following two relapses. Proton beam therapy employs high-energy protons to precisely target tumors, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs.
Now nine years old, Chloe was recognized for her bravery by Cancer Research UK. Her treatment journey began at St George’s Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden before she was transferred to Alder Hey in Liverpool. Her mother, Nikki, shared the family’s upheaval from Surrey to Merseyside due to Chloe’s illness.
Despite setbacks and changes in plans, Chloe’s resilience shines through. Partially sighted with compromised peripheral vision, Chloe’s family remains hopeful for her recovery post-recent targeted treatment. She is closely monitored with regular scans and currently manages treatment-related fatigue.
Nikki nominated Chloe for the Cancer Research UK Children & Young People Star Award, praising her daughter’s unwavering positivity and strength throughout her ordeal. The award, a testament to Chloe’s inspiring spirit, now sits proudly in her room.
In the North West, around 400 children and young individuals are diagnosed with cancer annually. Ongoing advancements in cancer research and innovative treatments, like those offered at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, are improving outcomes for young cancer patients.
Alder Hey is part of a network of UK centers conducting groundbreaking clinical trials, including the Cancer Research UK Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, which aims to enhance treatment approaches for pediatric brain tumors.
Acknowledging Chloe’s incredible journey, Cancer Research UK spokesperson Jemma Humphreys expressed admiration for Chloe’s courage, highlighting the significance of celebrating her resilience with a Star Award.