Scots tot who was told illness was 'virus' diagnosed with brain tumour
River Menzies-Staff was just 21 months old when she lost the ability to walk.
A Scots mum was repeatedly told her baby daughter had a viral illness, only to later discover she had a brain tumour.
Little River Menzies-Staff was just 21 months old when she began vomiting every morning. However, due to Covid restrictions at the time, worried mum Katie Staff, 36, was only able to speak with doctors over the phone.
Katie, who lives in Barrhead was reassured on several occasions that River was likely suffering no more than a viral illness. But her world came crashing down on September 21, 2021, when her baby suddenly lost the ability to walk.
She was rushed to A&E and doctors soon diagnosed River with an ependymoma brain tumour. River spent the next seven months in hospital, where she suffered a stroke during her first brain operation, fell into a two-week coma and had to undergo a tracheostomy which she still has in place today.
Mum Katie, who also has a daughter Paige, 18, said: "Despite two major brain surgeries, some of the tumour remains as it was too risky to remove completely. River then endured intensive chemotherapy, spending months in the hospital due to severe complications. This was followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.
"Today, River faces many challenges. She can no longer walk, talk, or eat and is tube-fed. She has reduced hearing and vision on her left side, along with osteoporosis from chemotherapy and scoliosis caused by muscle weakness. When she was first diagnosed, we were given just a 30% survival rate—but River is a true fighter."
The family is now fundraising for a bespoke trike to allow River to get out and about more, and additional physiotherapy.
Katie said: "We are raising funds to support River's ongoing care, therapy, and medical needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in her journey."
Katie added: "The physiotherapy makes a huge difference to her, she can now take a few steps between furniture which is a huge improvement on what she was able to do before.'
"In spite of her issue she is a happy little girl who loves to watch TV, play outside and spend time with other people. Her future is uncertain but like any mother, I just want the best for her and every penny received to help her live her best life possible is hugely appreciated."
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River's family is being supported by children's charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise vital funds for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care.
Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: "We wish River and her family all the best with their fundraising activities. We are pleased to be supporting them to give them the support in reaching their fundraising goals."
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