It’s always good to be reminded that through the hustle and bustle of Christmas, there are some families that are facing astronomical challenges when it comes to their health and finances.
While there are many great initiatives and charities to help families that are struggling this time of year, there are families that are putting all their energy into getting through their various challenges with some help from their friends.
One family that could use our help this Christmas is Emily and her baby daughter Penelope.
Penelope, or Princess P as known by family and friends, was born with a bruised lump on her back which her mother noticed got bigger over time. Emily knew something wasn’t quite right, so she got it checked out but her concerns were dismissed, with Penelope being diagnosed with reflux, colic and constipation.
Over time, Penelope’s symptoms got worse and on the 4th October this year, a local health nurse was very concerned about Penelope’s distended stomach, and told Emily she had to get her baby to hospital immediately.
Emily shared on her GoFundMe page, ‘Six weeks ago Penelope was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). RMS is a cancerous tumour that originates in the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues it is very rare, on average there are only 17 cases per year. In Penelope’s case her tumour began developing in the womb and continued to rapidly grow up to 15cm over her short life. The cause of Rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown, it develops in most cases sporadically, with no known risk factors. The survival rates depend on where the tumour is located and if the cancer has spread. If the disease hasn’t spread, five-year survival rates are around 70 to 80%.’
Baby Princess P
RMS can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Doctors have ruled out radiation as part of Penelope’s treatment because of her age. Major surgery is required to remove the large tumour, although her specialists prefer it to be reduced through chemotherapy.
Penelope has had her first round of chemotherapy and is currently on her second round.
On December 21, Penelope will have an MRI done to see if she requires another round of chemotherapy or if she needs to have surgery.
Emily has been told by Penelope’s medical team that chemotherapy will be continued for several months and up to 2 years to ensure any secondaries are killed off.
The ordeal has been rough emotionally and physically for both mum and daughter, but the other challenge they face is the financial cost of Penelope’s treatment and care.
Penelope needs support with feeding and the products needed at home cost $658 per month. This includes as Emily explains, ‘giving sets, containers (need to be changed every 24 hours), Infatrini and calogen (promote catch up growth). Unfortunately due to the location of her tumour and chemo Penelope also has to use creams and take various different medications which can be quite costly.’
Despite the rough journey, Emily is determined to give her baby girl the best chance at life and wants her darling to experience the same experiences as infants her age.
Let’s get behind this single mum and give her a Christmas she will never forget by donating funds to help her with the ongoing cost of care for baby Penelope.
Skip one present this year and donate to baby P.
If you wish to donate, please head here.
