Appeal for Wigan schoolboy with inoperable brain tumour
Loved ones of an 11-year-old Wigan schoolboy have launched a charity appeal to make his life easier after he was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumour.
Only a few months ago the Hindley youngster was finishing at St Benedict’s Primary School and looking forward to the summer holidays, with exciting events such as his 11th birthday and starting at St Edmund Arrowsmith High in September.
But after feeling unwell, with neck pain and numbness in his fingers, he attended several doctors appointments, and then went to A&E for multiple scans.
Unfortunately, medics found a tumour in Cooper’s spinal cord.
He was transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital where the surgeons decided that they would attempt to remove the growth and performed a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Most of the tumour was removed but, to the family’s devastation, they were told Cooper had DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma).
Only 40 children a year are diagnosed with this incurable condition in the UK, with the average prognosis being only seven to 11 months. But those around Cooper, including his mum Louise O’Gorman and dad Mike Foster (who is having his own health struggles) say they will do everything possible to ensure he “does not become a statistic.”
Cooper has already endured surgery, and has undergone a strict regime of steroid medications.
This week he ends five weeks of gruelling radiotherapy, which hopes to slow down the tumor’s aggressive growth and allow for relief of the symptoms that are becoming more prominent.
Family describe Cooper as “an intelligent, funny and caring little boy. He enjoys watching superhero films, being a HUGE Marvel fan and also enjoys keeping up to date with how Manchester United and Wigan Warriors are getting on.
"He perseveres with a smile on his face and his bravery throughout this diagnosis is greatly inspiring.”
Brave Cooper was given the honour of carrying out the match ball at the weekend’s Wigan v Leigh Super League semi-final.
Cousin Gracie O’Gorman said:
“DIPG is a challenging condition to treat as there are limited treatment options and a very harsh prognosis.
“Although this is the case, we are not giving up hope, and we would like you to not give up hope either.
"Cooper’s medical team have been excellent in exploring all options that Cooper may have available to help improve with his symptoms and quality of life.
"We are going to explore every possibility that we can to ensure that Cooper has a fighting chance against this horrible diagnosis."
And so a GoFundMe page has been set up to help spread awareness and raise money to allow for Cooper’s care and comfort. It has alread topped £10,000.
Gracie said: “This awful diagnosis demands constant care, frequent treatment and an unlimited amount of support. Therefore, we are humbly asking for your help.
"As Cooper is currently moving around by wheelchair, the house is not as easily accessible as it could be, making day to day life difficult for Cooper.
"The daily trips to The Christie hospital in Manchester, the new equipment that is needed to ensure Cooper is as comfortable as possible, in addition to supporting him through his everyday life and physiotherapy, the cost does quickly add up.
"We also aim to fill the next chapter of Cooper’s life with love, fun and many new memories which we can all cherish. Any and all help in allowing us to achieve this would truly be a blessing to us.
"Right now, Cooper is facing the biggest challenge of his young life.
"His condition is so rare and aggressive, therefore treatment plans may evolve quickly.
The realities of this condition are daunting such as, the frequent visits to hospital, and the road ahead will not be easy, but it is necessary to give Cooper the best chance at a longer and better quality of life.
"The emotional toll on the family is hugely significant, and the financial strain is only set to create an overwhelming burden.
Gracie said: “Each and every donation - no matter how big or small - will go to covering medical expenses, travel expenses for treatment and care, and other necessary expenses to ensure that Cooper receives the best care and is as comfortable as possible.”