A mother’s world came crashing down after she discovered that her 3-year-old daughter has just one year to live.
Melanie and Carl Hodgkiss from Wrexham, UK, were left devastated after doctors told them that their young daughter Aria had just a year to live.
According to the heartbroken parents, little Aria was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of brain tumor known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma on the same day she celebrated her third birthday back in May.
“The worst moment was when the doctor at Alder Hey told us that Aria only has around 12 months left to live,” the young girl’s mom said in an interview with North Wales Live.
“I’d seen the scans beforehand and had done a lot of research online so it wasn’t a complete shock, but hearing that was life-changing.”
Since Aria’s condition is terminal, her parents are doing everything in their power to prolong her life as much as possible.
According to Melanie, who has since the diagnosis become her daughter’s full-time carer, the family is now trying to save enough to treat Aria with ONC201, an expensive drug that has just undergone a trial in Germany.
“There is no cure for Aria’s condition. Once you hear the word terminal, there’s not much that can be done but the hope is that this new medication she is receiving may be able to prolong her life,” Melanie expressed.
“We’re taking it day-by-day at this stage and we’re realistic about the situation. She’s doing brilliantly at the moment and as long as she’s happy and not in any pain we want to extend her life for as long as possible, naturally.”
The upset mom added: “I don’t cry in front of Aria because I don’t want to upset her. She doesn’t know that there’s anything wrong.
“Her medication regime is the norm for her and she views going to the hospital as a day out. If she asks about her situation we will tell her in a way she will understand, but at the moment it’s just about making sure that she’s a happy three-year-old, which she is.”
If you wish to help the family raise funds for Aria’s expensive treatment, you may make a donation via GoFundMe.
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