The parents of a young boy who was diagnosed with brain cancer after being told his symptoms were caused by spending “too much time on his phone” are working with Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Eleven-year-old Ronnie Hood was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma on 20th March 2024 and given just nine months to live.
Ronnie’s shock diagnosis came after he had been receiving physio for a year with no improvement after the GP told his family the youngster was “playing on his phone too much”. It was only after his parents, Vicky and Nick, pushed for an MRI scan that the tumour was discovered growing “like an octopus” on Ronnie’s brain stem.
Nick did the physio exercises with his son, but noticed his symptoms were worsening. He said: “Ronnie cried in pain and frustration. He wasn’t getting better and then he had a numbness in his right hand. When we got the results of the MRI, we couldn’t believe the news that he had brain cancer. It was like we had been hit by a bus. He’s a handsome, confident and well-loved little boy who was fit and healthy how could this be happening?”
Ronnie (pictured top with his sisters, four days after diagnosis) has already undergone surgery and radiotherapy, he remains on steroids and has been unable to return to school. Faced with a lack of options in the UK, his family is now raising money to help fund private treatment abroad.
This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Ronnie’s family has shared his story in the hopes of raising awareness and funds to support research into childhood brain tumours.
Nick added: “Since Ronnie was diagnosed his appearance has changed drastically. Although he can walk and talk, it’s becoming more difficult and in March, the overwhelming side effects of the tumour and medication meant he stopped going to school.
“Nobody should have to face this devastation because of brain tumours, let alone a child.”
To find out more about how we are leading the way to increase national investment in research and how your donation will help fund the fight, supporting research to help us find kinder treatments and cures for children with brain tumours, visit our Childhood Cancer Awareness Month page: www.braintumourresearch.org/pages/childhood-cancer-awareness-month
Related reading:
- Gamer, 11, told neck pain was 'too much screen time' actually had brain tumour (MailOnline)
- Donate to help find a cure for childhood brain tumours
Published Tuesday 3rd September 2024.