Teenage girl's brain tumour discovered after netball injury
A 17-year-old girl who discovered she had a brain tumour after a fall during a netball game has received more devastating news – the tumour has progressed and risky surgery is her last chance of beating it.
Ciara Nelson, from Pakenham in Victoria, was only made aware of the tumour after she fell while playing netball in 2016.
Ciara’s mother, Colleen, thought she may have suffered a delayed concussion in the game when Ciara began vomiting and complaining of headaches.
But what doctors found was much worse – Ciara had an inoperable brain tumour.
The high-grade glioma is positioned deep in her midbrain, making it extremely risky to attempt surgery due to the threat of death, brain damage or stroke.
Because a biopsy couldn’t be done to determine the type of tumour, chemotherapy wasn’t an option.
Eighteen months later, and with her tumour only progressing, the teen and her family have made the difficult decision to pursue surgery with globally renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Charles Teo.
An update on a GoFundMe page dedicated to raising money for her treatments has revealed she only has a six-week window to act before her tumour grows further.
“We have been offered radiation and chemo as the alternative, but with only a 40% chance of success and a very high risk of radiation causing acute hydrocephalus we have chosen the surgery to give Ciara a fighting chance against this very rare tumour,” Colleen wrote on the fundraising page.
“We are shattered that it has come to this and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your support.”
More than $123,000 has already been raised in an incredible effort by friends and strangers alike, but Ciara’s family is still short of their $130,000 goal.
To donate, visit Ciara’s GoFundMe page.
