A 3-year-old girl went to prom ten years early with her teen sister as she may not be able to attend her own.
Lana Nixon was only 2 years old when she was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT) in 2018.
This month, her parents, 40-year-old Andrew Haswell and 34-year-old Gemma Nixon received heartbreaking news that their daughter’s cancer can no longer be cured.
The couple decided to quit their jobs so they could be with Lana all the time. They also gave their youngest daughter the chance to experience prom with her sister, 16-year-old Neve, as she may not be able to attend her own prom.
The 3-year-old wore a pink dress decorated with flowers and sequins. She also sported a floral headband and was driven to the event in a Rolls Royce.
“It was so emotional for us all to be together as a family and for Lana to be part of her sister’s special day. She loved the car, and said that her and Neve were princesses that day,” her mother said.
“It was very emotional to see Lana looking so well and in a lovely dress after months of [hospital] gowns and pyjamas.”
The director of Autograph Prestige, 36-year-old Sheb Ahktar, drove the sisters to prom. After meeting the little girl, he said he wanted to support the family.
“On the day, Lana was so happy, smiling and active just like any other three-year-old. It’s just heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what the family are going through and I’ll make sure that I will help in anyway, so the family get what they need for Lana.”
Lana has undergone six cycles of intraventricular chemotherapy and six cycles of high dose chemotherapy.
“It was so harsh and she suffered every possible side effect. She vomited blood, horrendous nose bleeds, her mouth broke down and bled. She was so poorly, we spent a lot of time in isolation,” Gemma expressed.
Several weeks after Lana’s biopsy and surgery, the parents were told her tumor was aggressive and very rare that it would become more difficult to treat within the next 12 months.
But a recent scan showed the tumor is responding to treatment. Lana needs regular scans, physiotherapy and lots of medication.
Sending prayers to Lana and her family!
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