 |
| Boy, five, was given a 93% chance of surviving cancer only to relapse THREE times - as his family fly to the US and try to raise £1m for highly experimental treatment in 'last chance' to save him |
Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, a courageous five-year-old, has been battling leukemia for the past three and a half years. His family is now in a desperate race against time, seeking to raise £1 million to facilitate a crucial experimental treatment in the United States that represents his final hope for survival.
Dillan's journey began in May 2020 when he was diagnosed with leukemia at just one year old. At the time, he was given a promising 93 percent chance of survival. However, this young warrior had to endure three grueling years of intensive chemotherapy, which took a tremendous toll on him and his family. They believed that they had overcome the illness when it briefly receded.
Tragically, Dillan suffered relapses in August 2022, as well as in March and August of this year, renewing the family's nightmare.
Before this harrowing ordeal unfolded, Amy Ramsey, a devoted mother of three from London, thought her cheerful, football-loving son had merely suffered a minor sprain and some bruises from playing with a soccer ball. It wasn't until a fateful diagnosis that the shocking truth was revealed.
Amy, recounting their challenging journey to MailOnline, described the traumatic past few years as Dillan underwent a bone marrow transplant in addition to enduring chemotherapy.
The medical options available in the UK have been exhausted, compelling the family to travel to Washington in the United States for further treatment. To make this crucial endeavor possible, they are now seeking £1 million in GoFundMe donations to cover treatment expenses, accommodation, flights, insurance, living costs in the US, and ongoing commitments back home. Remarkably, over half of the required funds have already been raised.
Amy expressed her unwavering determination, saying, "I am in fight mode, I won't stop until I find a cure. It's been years of hell watching my child suffer, and everyone else around me, including myself. We need a break, and we need a cure." She further emphasized the hope associated with American medical advancements, noting that "America is ten years ahead of the UK in medical treatment."
Treatment in the US commenced on October 19, and Dillan is expected to remain there for approximately a month before returning to London for a final bone marrow transplant. This procedure aims to solidify the remission achieved through the American treatment trial and represents the last glimmer of hope for Dillan.
Amy acknowledges the extraordinary sacrifices that have been made, with their family traveling across continents in pursuit of Dillan's well-being. She also highlights that Dillan's childhood has been anything but carefree, with countless days spent within the confines of a hospital.
Amy recalled early signs of Dillan's condition, such as his inexplicable nighttime cries and persistent pain, which led her to seek medical help. Doctors initially attributed his distress to nightmares or sleep regression, only to be proven wrong when his condition worsened. It was a swift and unexpected turn of events for the family.
Dillan's father, Oguz Aksehir, noticed the swelling of lymph nodes on his neck and jaw, leading to their eventual visit to a doctor. Due to COVID-19 precautions, they had to wait for a physician's evaluation. During this waiting period, Dillan developed small bruises around his eyes.
Upon finally being seen by a doctor, they were immediately referred to A&E. The orthopedic surgeon conducted an X-ray, ruling out any issues with Dillan's legs, leaving Amy bewildered. It was then suggested that a blood issue might be causing his problems, a statement that left Amy in the dark.
Two agonizing hours later, Dillan's diagnosis was confirmed: he had a rare form of blood cancer known as B-cell leukemia. This marked the beginning of a grueling three-and-a-half-year journey of chemotherapy for the young child.
Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, encompasses the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Symptoms can vary, but common signs include fever, fatigue, infections, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, easy bleeding, bruising, and more.
The family's lives took an abrupt turn when 90 percent of Dillan's body was discovered to be infiltrated by cancer, including his spinal fluid. Immediate treatment was essential, with a portacath inserted into his chest. Dillan's traumatic experiences with cannulas and the harsh chemotherapy regimen left him terrified of anyone wearing a mask. He also endured physical changes, such as facial drooping, hair loss, and weight loss, due to the steroids used in his treatment.
The emotional toll was significant, with Dillan's detachment from his family leaving Amy questioning her son's feelings toward her. Despite these hardships, the family made a collective decision to adapt to their new normal, shielding Dillan from the knowledge of his differences and cherishing the precious moments they shared.
In February 2023, the family rejoiced as Dillan rang the bell, symbolizing his victory over cancer. However, just a month later, the cancer reappeared for the third time. Dillan then underwent car T-cell therapy in April, offering a glimmer of hope. By June, the disease's resurgence outpaced his recovery.
In a heart-wrenching meeting with medical professionals, Amy and Oguz were informed that Dillan could no longer be cured in the UK and that he was entering palliative care.
Now, the family clings to hope and prayers for a miracle. Their GoFundMe page has already raised over £500,000, but the battle is far from over.
If you'd like to support Dillan's fight against leukemia and contribute to the campaign, visit Dillan's GoFundMe page.
Post a Comment