Chloe’s parents appeal for help after bone cancer diagnosis
Chloe and her mother, Baiba
THE PARENTS of a Kildare town child who has a rare form of bone cancer are appealing for help on their GoFundMe page after their 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed in November.
Chloe, a fifth-class pupil at Curragh Primary School, was diagnosed with cancer in November after initially complaining of persistent pain in her leg during the summer and early autumn. Her mother Baiba told the that what first appeared to be growing pains soon became more worrying when Chloe developed a lump and began limping.
“We really didn’t expect anything serious,” she said. “She’s a teenager, so at first we thought it was just growing pains. But the pain didn’t go away, and then we noticed the lump.”
A visit to their GP quickly escalated into a series of urgent tests. Chloe was sent for an x-ray, followed by MRI and CT scans at Tullamore Hospital, before being referred to Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Within days, doctors confirmed the devastating diagnosis: Ewing’s Sarcoma – an aggressive type of bone cancer.
“It all happened within six days,” said Baiba. “From the x-ray, they could see something wasn’t right. Then after the biopsy in Crumlin, we were told she had cancer. The first day was absolute shock and disbelief. You feel like you’re watching your life from the outside.”
Chloe’s cancer is located in the fibula, the lower bone of her leg. Since her diagnosis, she has begun an intensive course of chemotherapy at Crumlin Hospital.
“She’s had three cycles of chemo so far and, thankfully, she’s been tolerating it really well,” her mother said. “She hasn’t had major side effects, but as time goes on it may get harder.”
Chloe will undergo stem cell harvesting later this month, a preventative measure to support her recovery and provide an emergency option should it be needed in the future. Surgery is expected after nine cycles of chemotherapy.
Despite the trauma of treatment, including losing her hair, Chloe has shown remarkable strength.
“She’s braver than me and her dad put together,” said Baiba. “It just shows how resilient children are. Losing her hair was very hard, especially at her age.”
In solidarity with her daughter, Baiba shaved her own head to help Chloe feel less alone during what she describes as a “lonely journey”.
“I wanted to show her it’s not a big deal and that she’s not alone,” she said. “That was the least I could do.”
The diagnosis has placed significant financial strain on the family. With constant hospital appointments, one parent has had to stop working entirely.
“We had to decide that Chloe’s dad would stop working so he could be there for all the appointments,” Baiba explained. “We’re in hospital every other week.” The family, who also have an 18-year-old and a three-year-old child, have set up a GoFundMe campaign with a target of €12,000 to help cover living costs as they now survive on half their usual income.
“Bills don’t stop just because you get a diagnosis,” said Baiba. “The fundraiser is to help us survive this year and to ease the financial pressure so we can focus on what really matters: Chloe and her recovery.”
She said the support from the local community has been overwhelming, particularly from Curragh Primary School.
“The community in Chloe’s school has been incredible,” she said. “Other mums from her class are even organising fundraisers. We’re very blessed to have such support around us.”
Baiba expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has donated or offered help.
“Thank you so much for the generosity,” she said. “It goes a long way. It allows us to focus on Chloe and not constantly worry about finances. We truly cannot express how appreciative we are.”
The family remain hopeful and determined as Chloe continues her treatment. “We have our fighting spirit,” said Baiba. “She’s a fighter.”
The family has already reached over €11,000 in donations, but needs more to reach their goal of €13,000.
Donations can be made via the family’s GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/vfzxts-help-11yearold-chloe-fight-rare-childhood-cancer
