Latest news with #Penelope
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Selfless' mum wants to live life to fullest after devastating diagnosis
A 'KIND hearted' and 'selfless' mum of a two-year-old is fundraising for essential costs to prolong her life after she was given a devastating cancer diagnosis. Zoë Handscomb-Edwards, 44, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in March 2023, when she was 16 weeks pregnant with her first child, Penelope. The news came after she attended the doctors with what she thought was a pulled muscle in her leg. This was later diagnosed as an extremely rare PEComa. To donate to the GoFundMe, click here. The diagnosis followed an ultrasound and MRI, but she could not undergo any further scans due to her pregnancy. Zoë, who works for the RNLI and lives in Bournemouth, said: 'Hearing somebody say those words, it was like my world just dropped away. READ MORE: "That's what I say was the worst day of my life - when we just left the hospital and they had no information for us. All I knew was that I was going to be referred to the sarcoma clinic. "From then on, it was incredible. Every single bit of NHS support that I've had from that point has been absolutely first class". Zoë and Rob's daughter, Penelope, has now turned two years old (Image: Zoë Handscomb-Edwards) Shortly after giving birth to her daughter in July 2023, Zoë underwent a PET scan where she was told she had six months to two years to live due to the cancer spreading to her lungs, hip, neck and lower back. Despite the odds and a stage four diagnosis, two years later, Zoë is living her life to the fullest with an admirably positive attitude, supported by family and friends and in particular, her husband, Rob. Zoë said: 'I don't know how much time I've got. Everything could change in 10 days or I could have 10 years - they don't know. "I just put one foot in front of the other and I've got this amazing support around me. "This whole thing has made me realise how resilient I am and how people can be." She has also stepped out of her comfort zone by sharing her story publicly on her Instagram page, hoping to support others in similar positions. She particularly wants to help those with the same, ultra-rare diagnosis and raise awareness of the help available to those living with cancer. Zoë said: 'Macmillan has been amazing and - there's so much support out there and there's so many incredible people, and I think when you first get diagnosed, it's so overwhelming and you don't get told all these things. Zoë continues to be positive (Image: Zoë Handscomb-Edwards) "You have so many questions about what this means and who am I going to be, what does my life look like and how long is my life going to be? You need support from people who can help you navigate that." Rob has now set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of Zoë, to raise essential funds for drugs, therapies and treatment to ensure she does not go without the expensive care needed over the upcoming months and years. In particular, Zoë wishes to raise money to help her create memories with her family, making the most of every moment. Rob said: 'Zoë is so much more than her diagnosis. She is the most loving, kind-hearted, and selfless person I know. Even before her diagnosis, Zoë was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. 'Whether it was supporting friends through tough times, volunteering in the community or simply offering a listening ear, Zoë's generosity and compassion have touched so many lives. "Now, it's our turn to rally around her.'
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Kourtney Kardashian Responds To Pregnancy Rumors
Kourtney Kardashian Barker has responded after a new bikini picture led some people to believe she's pregnant. It's not the first time it's happened, either. Back in 2020, Kourtney also had to shut down a fan who was loud and wrong in assuming she was pregnant based on a bikini photo she shared. Reacting to a picture of her on a patio, the fan excitedly wrote, "SHE'S PREGNANT 🎉🎉. Kourtney was quick to deny it, writing, "This is me when I have a few extra pounds on, and I actually love it. I have given birth three amazing times and this is the shape of my body." She has since welcomed a fourth child, 1-year-old son Rocky, with Travis Barker, who joins her children, Mason, 15, Penelope, 13, and Reign, 10, with her ex Scott Disick. Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped fans from speculating that Kourtney is growing her family again. Just yesterday, she found herself on the defense after sharing pictures from an Italian getaway for her daughter Penelope's 13th birthday. In one of the photos, Kourtney can be seen standing in front of a mirror, wearing what looks like a black drawstring bikini. It had many thinking she's "definitely" pregnant again. "You can tell from the bikini reflection photo Kourtney is pregnant again," one fan said, leading to a direct reply from Kourtney herself. "Or," she said, "[I'm] breastfeeding, eating gelato, focaccia, pasta, not working out and living my best damn life baby!" "We could just normalize what a regular body looks like!" a fan added, arguing, "She doesn't have to be pregnant to look real. Y'all are use[d] to unreal expectations and mommy makeovers. Personally, I think she looks great!" Other fans agreed. "Where are we getting she's pregnant?" one user wondered. "From the mirror pic that isn't in a well lit area? You literally have to zoom in and you still can't really see." They also stated, "Her body doesn't need to look like her sisters. She is her own person. She's human just like us." "God people why body shame a person who is clearly living life and doesn't care what anyone has to before you speak," another said. Well said! Basically, Kourtney's vibe right now is just living life. Leave her alone!
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kourtney slams follower who said she looked pregnant in a bikini
Kourtney Kardashian has hit back at a fan who suggested that she might be pregnant again after seeing a photo of her on vacation in Portofino, Italy. The reality star read the comment and reacted strongly. 'Or breastfeeding, eating gelato, focaccia, pasta, not working out and living my best damn life baby!' said Kourtney. Kourtney was pictured enjoying a sweet treat with her kids in Portofino, and several days ago, she shared photos of the birthday celebration she threw for her daughter Penelope's 13th birthday in Italy. She also shared a series of snapshots from their trip abroad alongside the caption: 'When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie.' Kourtney is already back in Los Angeles. She was seen on Thursday in Southern California with Travis as they stepped out for lunch with their son Rocky. The pair were supporting Barker's stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya's matcha lemonade drink collaboration.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Girl, 10, loses both legs and arm after sign 'many parents wouldn't suspect as unusual'
A brave 10-year-old girl has lost both of her legs and her right arm after a shocking sudden illness. Penelope Vidal-Walsh had gone to bed as normal on April 10, but the next day she had deteriorated so quickly she was sedated in intensive care. The 10-year-old from Southport, described as a "little fighter", had woken up with a "bruise many parents wouldn't suspect as unusual" after telling her parents she felt unwell before going to bed at around 9pm the night before, the Liverpool ECHO reports. READ MORE: 'My daughter broke her leg because of an outdated and excessive school rule' READ MORE: 'I survived cancer and have miracle son – but now he could die' At around 2am she woke up and threw up, and her dad Ricardo Vidal put her in the bath and "checked her over" but couldn't see anything that gave him cause for concern, so Penelope went back to bed. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here The next morning things seemed normal at first as Penelope had breakfast, but was sick again at about 8.30am. Her dad again put her in the bath, and this time noticed a small purple mark on her neck. She got dressed after the bath, and her dad and mum Elizabeth saw another mark on her knee. Penelope's aunt Angel Walsh, 35, recalled how the parents had then done a "glass test" on their daughter. This is an NHS-advised way to examine a rash if you are worried about meningitis or septicaemia. It involves pressing a glass onto the rash to see if the pressure makes it disappear, and if it doesn't disappear then the rash could be a sign of a serious infection. Penelope's rash remained visible and her parents immediately took her to Ormskirk Hospital, and she was transferred to Alder Hey by 9.30am. There she was diagnosed with meningitis and sent to intensive care. Now, "determined" Penelope's dad has said that she spent "99 days fighting and now recovering." Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HER This has been gruelling period for her and her family, with her dad saying: "During this time she beat the meningococcal disease and also a very rare fungal infection which caused severe complications. "As part of her treatment Penelope underwent a triple amputation surgery, which resulted in her losing her lower limbs and her right arm. "She is currently undergoing skin grafting surgery as part of her rehabilitation and recovery. She has made huge progress and improvement and is even using a wheelchair and building up her core strength as well as the strength in her left arm." He added that despite the horrible struggle, they are grateful that Penelope is still alive. "It's been a roller coaster of emotions, heartache and anxiety," said Ricardo. "But as her parents we remain forever grateful that she is still with us and for all the incredible dedication and hard work that the staff here at Alder Hey and Ormskirk Children's A&E have done, they saved our Penelope's life." Penelope is still in hospital at Alder Hey on the critical care unit as she is getting ready for a skin graft. Ricardo shared that if the skin graft goes well they are expecting her to be discharged around October. Her family are also raising money for Penelope's future to help her to have the "best possible chance of living an independent life." Ricardo added: "We want to give her the best quality life and opportunities to fulfil any of her dreams and hopes that she had before this occurred. "We want her to be able to not let this deter her from being the most energetic, fun, lively girl that she always has been. She remains determined and motivated to keep building her strength. The strength and resilience she shows us every day is just incredible and we are just so proud of her." Penelope and her family want to create awareness of the "scary" illness, as well as warning people of the symptoms to watch out for. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include: a high temperature cold hands and feet vomiting confusion breathing quickly muscle and joint pain pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin) spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin) headache a stiff neck a dislike of bright lights being very sleepy or difficult to wake fits (seizures) Babies may also: refuse feeds be irritable have a high-pitched cry have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Schoolgirl loses both legs and arm as parents issue warning over serious disease
A young girl had to have both legs and an arm amputated after being diagnosed with a serious disease. "Little fighter" Penelope Vidal-Walsh had repeatedly complained about feeling unwell to her parents, who then rushed her to hospital. 10-year-old Penelope, who is from Southport in Merseyside, had gone to bed as normal on April 10 but ended up in intensive care the very next day after her parents noticed a bruise. The schoolgirl let her mum and dad know she was feeling sick before she went to bed at around 9pm. She woke up and vomited at around 2am, when her father Ricardo put her in the bath and "checked her over". The Liverpool ECHO reports that when Ricardo didn't initially notice anything of concern, he sent Penelope back to bed and when they all awoke the next morning, the little girl ate her breakfast as normal but ended up vomiting again at 8.30am. Her dad then checked again and spotted a small purple mark on Penelope's neck. After getting dressed, Penelope was checked by her mum Elizabeth who, along with her dad, noticed another purple rash on her knee. The quick-thinking couple used the "glass test" to check the rash, which is a method of pressing a glass against a rash to see if it disappears under pressure. It is a method recommended if diseases like meningitis or septicaemia are suspected. If the rash remains visible through the glass under pressure, it could be a sign of a serious infection. The 'odd' bruise Penelope's parents spotted (Image: Angel Walsh/Liverpool Echo) When the rash was visible under the glass, Ricardo and Elizabeth rushed Penelope to Ormskirk Hospital but she was soon transferred to Alder Hey hospital, where she was received intensive care after being diagnosed with meningitis. Penelope has spent nearly 100 days fighting the disease but she remains "determined" to get better. Ricardo told The ECHO that: "During this time she beat the meningococcal disease and also a very rare fungal infection which caused severe complications. "As part of her treatment Penelope underwent a triple amputation surgery, which resulted in her losing her lower limbs and her right arm. She is currently undergoing skin grafting surgery as part of her rehabilitation and recovery. She has made huge progress and improvement and is even using a wheelchair and building up her core strength as well as the strength in her left arm." Penelope is awaiting more skin grafts and remains on the critical care unit at Alder Hey for now. Her father is optimistic that if the skin grafts go ahead as planned, she may be discharged as early as October. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help Penelope with her future and to give the youngster the "best possible chance of living an independent life." Ricardo added: "We want to give her the best quality life and opportunities to fulfil any of her dreams and hopes that she had before this occurred. "We want her to be able to not let this deter her from being the most energetic, fun, lively girl that she always has been. She remains determined and motivated to keep building her strength. The strength and resilience she shows us every day is just incredible and we are just so proud of her." If you want to contribute to Penelope's fundraising page, click here. Penelope's family are eager to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis, which can be: High temperature of 38C or above Rash or spots Feeling nauseous or vomiting Stiff neck Aches or pains Faster breathing Being bothered by bright light Cold hands or feet Pale or mottled skin Fits or seizures Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
