In August 2017 Fifi was diagnosed with a DIPG, a brain tumour that has a zero percent chance of survival for children. We were advised that, at the most, her life would come to an end within nine months: there is no cure, no effective treatment, nothing can be done.
This harrowing news is what every family whose child is diagnosed with a DIPG will be told. Despite the world’s advances in tackling cancer and tumours, along with the improvement of survival rates in the last few decades, the understanding and brutal outcome of a child’s DIPG diagnosis has remained at a standstill since mid-last century. In fact, brain tumours claim more lives than any other childhood cancer, accounting for more than a third of all childhood cancer deaths.
Just two weeks after her diagnosis, Fifi suffered a major brain haemorrhage that left her in a coma and fighting for her life. Yet, against all the odds, our brave girl remained with us and was cared for at home, surrounded by the family who adore her. We will always be thankful for that time – the chance to tell our amazing daughter just how much we loved her. However, on 18 January 2018, just five months after her diagnosis, our beautiful Fifi passed away. We are devastated and heartbroken, life will never be the same and we will miss her every single day.
Our Fifi was a fighter, so, in her memory we’ve set-up the “Fifi fund” with The Brain Tumour Charity. Its aim is to improve research into DIPG by raising funds. We are committed to supporting this research until we can ensure that every child who receives a DIPG diagnosis can go on to live a long and full life. Your donations will help us achieve this and to all of you that support us, thank you.
And to our darling Fifi, we want to say:
Thank you for all the joy you brought into our lives. It was a privilege to know you and we will forever cherish every wonderful moment we spent together. Sleep tight our princess.
We love you.
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