Boy, six, diagnosed with brain tumour after parents told he was just 'anxious'
Parents Amy Bott and Adam Brown said the "incredible" staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital saved their son Ethan's life after the mass was removed in a 12-hour emergency operation.
It was identified as a low-grade, non-cancerous growth and he is now recovering at home, relearning how to walk, eat and write.
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Ethan will need regular MRI scans and specialist care for five years and his parents, from Telford, aim to raise £5,000 for the hospital to show their gratitude.
"He had three months of worsening symptoms and werre told constantly by doctors the symptoms were due to anxiety due to the arrival of his baby brother in February," the couple said.
"Symptoms included ongoing headaches, panic attacks, behavioural changes, poor sleep and weakened muscles and coordination.
"The symptoms were caused by the tumour but also a build-up of fluid on his brain due to the tumour blocking the flow of fluid to the brain stem (hydrocephalus).
"On the day of diagnosis, we were sent via blue light ambulance from our local hospital in Telford to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
"The next morning he was in for a 12-hour surgery to remove the tumour and ten days later we were given the news the tumour was low grade and non cancerous (polycytic astrocytoma). Thankfully they were able to remove the tumour due to its location.
"We spent two-and-a-half weeks in hospital and have been home for four weeks where our son continues his rehabilitation.
"He has had to learn everything from scratch again such as walking, eating and writing. He will also have regular MRI scans over the next five years and other ongoing care from Birmingham.
"We're extremely grateful for the incredible staff and support of the hospital who saved Ethan's life.
"It's been a hard six weeks but we feel incredibly lucky that the tumour was caught in time. We're now focussing on Ethan's healing and recovery which can take around six months.
"We've set a goal to fundraise £5k for Birmingham Children's Hospital in the next 12 months. Amy also plans to donate profits from her business on an ongoing basis when she returns from maternity leave.
"During our time in hospital, we met other families who are still in the trenches of treatment and recovery. We really hope these donations go on to help them and any other children who need the support of the hospital in future.
"If you can help by donating or sharing this page it really would mean the world." To donate to the fund, click here.
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Next time you experience one, Dr Le Cunff says: 'Many other activities can activate similar reward pathways, in healthier ways, and these alternatives can help us regulate our emotions without relying on food.'Try contacting a friend – even a text message can provide the social connection that increases bonding hormones such as oxytocin. Or go for a walk or dance around the kitchen to uplifting music. As little as 10 minutes in Zone Two, where your heart rate is around 125-140 BPM and you can talk but not hold a proper conversation, can increase dopamine levels. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help us cope with stress, as can creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or gardening – and they can all act as a diversionary tactic to take our mind off the craving until it passes. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
