Amelia Hindman is a brave four-year-old fighting a rare form of brain cancer that doctors say is untreatable. With only around 18 months left to live, her mother, Brittany Stevens, is determined to raise awareness about her daughter’s diagnosis.
In an emotional interview with WWL Louisiana’s morning news anchor, Brheanna Boudreaux, Stevens shared that Amelia has been diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), a rare and terminal brain cancer that affects around 300 children each year.
The journey began when Amelia’s parents noticed changes in her balance and immediately scheduled an appointment with her pediatrician on June 20. Little did they know that their lives would soon be turned upside down.
On the day before the appointment, Stevens received a call from school reporting that Amelia’s balance was off, and her motor skills and speech were deteriorating. Concerned, she picked her up and rushed her to the emergency room, where a CAT scan revealed a mass in her brain. Amelia was quickly admitted to Children’s Hospital.
Following a tense wait, the neurosurgeon team arrived with devastating news – Amelia’s condition was inoperable with no available treatment options. This is when the family learned about DIPG, a cancer that affects the brain stem, specifically the pons which controls vital functions like breathing.
Despite the grim prognosis, Stevens embarked on a mission to find alternative treatments for Amelia, researching tirelessly and uncovering a Phase 3 drug called ONC201. She discovered that the standard radiation therapy might shrink the tumor temporarily but would inevitably return.
Amelia’s family decided against the early trials offered and continued to search for hope, with Stevens highlighting the lack of funding directed towards pediatric cancer. Shockingly, only four percent of cancer research funds go towards pediatric cancer, leaving families like hers struggling to find solutions.
To support Amelia’s treatments, the family has organized a raffle until August 19 and set up a GoFundMe page. Their determination and strength in the face of adversity serve as a beacon of hope for many families battling similar challenges.
Amelia’s story is a reminder of the resilience and courage displayed by children facing life-threatening illnesses. Through awareness and support, we can all contribute to the fight against pediatric cancer and offer hope to families like Amelia’s.
Join the cause by donating to Amelia’s GoFundMe or spreading the word to raise awareness about pediatric cancer research.
Let’s stand together to support brave warriors like Amelia in their fight against cancer.
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