A 7-year-old girl who captured thousands of hearts during her brave fight against cancer has passed away.
Edie Jackson was only 6 years old when she was diagnosed with a high-grade Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, the deadliest form of childhood cancer.
The ‘warrior princess’ underwent a grueling 13-day course of radiotherapy to shrink the tumor. However, this form of cancer always starts to grow again after a few months.
Edie’s father, Craig, previously shared how they booked their daughter an appointment at an optician in November 2019 as she started experiencing double vision. The optician then referred them to their GP and wrote a letter requesting for the young girl to be checked urgently by a specialist.
“We immediately felt very nervous seeing the word “urgent” on the optician’s referral letter, so we booked a private appointment at Moorfields Eye Hospital on November 25th,” Craig said.
“From there we were sent the same day to Harlow Princess Alexandra Hospital for an MRI, the results of which were sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Within a few hours we were told Edie had a brain tumour.”
Craig continued: “Once the scans had been reviewed we were moved to GOSH and the worst possible news was confirmed – not only did Edie have a brain tumour, it was an aggressive one called Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in a part of the brain stem called the pons.
“The pons controls essential bodily functions such as heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, eye movement, eyesight, and balance.”
Because the pons is located in the center of the brain, surgeons couldn’t get to the tumor without damaging the surrounding areas. Total removal of the tumor would also be impossible even if it could be accessed.
Edie began her radiotherapy treatment on December 2 while her parents search for specialists.
“The harsh reality is that illness and disease does not discriminate, and whilst we would trade everything we have for Edie to be OK, we are going to need some help,” Craig said.
“We could never have been prepared for this. Lois’s work situation will have to change and it has turned life upside down. But the response and generosity we have received so far is overwhelming and we are so grateful.”
“It is with an indescribable sadness and a deep sense of pride that we write to tell you that Edie, our Warrior Princess and the bravest girl we know, passed away, surrounded by her loving family at 5.30pm yesterday,” Edie’s aunt Emmie Adams wrote on Edie’s Fight Facebook page.
“We are sad because she is no longer with us, although our seven years of beautiful memories of her will always live on, but also proud at the life she led and the legacy she left.”
Adams continued: “Edie united the most amazing community around a cause you all held so dear and we want to thank you all for the support and strength you have shown us – we could not have done it without you.
“Edie is forever seven. She will never be forgotten and leaves the biggest, Warrior Princess shaped hole in all our lives.
“We will take some time to begin processing this devastating news and will update on arrangements for a celebration of her life in the coming days. Grief leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
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