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Family shocked to discover tragic reason behind young girl's clumsiness

Parents have been delivered one of the most heartbreaking reasons possible behind their daughter’s increasing clumsiness.

Ana and Chris McEldowney’s eldest daughter, Mia, 8, was found to have an inoperable brain tumour - untreated it would take just nine months to kill her.

The young netball player’s coordination had been getting worse, and she would come home from playing with her sister, Quinn, 5, and cousin, covered in bruises, her parents told news.com.au.

Mrs McEldowney’s sister, who is also Mia’s netball coach, suggested the family have her checked, suspicious that she might have an ear infection.

Photo of Queensland girl Mia, 8, who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
Mia, 8, was diagnosed with an incurable tumour and began treatment on Wednesday. Source: Facebook/Miracles for Mia

But after a trip to the doctor, Mia was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

“We took her to the hospital, and as soon as we got there they took her into emergency and that’s when they found a mass sitting on the centre of her brain,” Mr McEldowney told the publication.

The couple, who are due for their third child in three months, have now shifted their focus to starting their eight-year-old on an aggressive course of radiation - which could extend her life for between two to five years.

The family, based in Mackay, Queensland, and originally from New Zealand, have established a Give A Little page to raise money to support Mia and her family.

She was due to start her six weeks of radiation therapy on Wednesday, but her father said she wasn’t entirely aware of the extent of her illness.

Photos of Mia, from Queensland, being fitted for a mask with a cute image of an elephant.
Mia shown being fitted for a mask with a cute image of an elephant. Source: Facebook/Miracles for Mia

“She doesn’t really understand what is happening. She is already a pretty emotional girl, so when family and friends come to visit her she cries as soon as they leave,” Mr McEldowney said.

He added his parents had cut their eight-week-long holiday in the US short five weeks early when they heard the news.

More than $55,000 has been raised for the family by 939 people in two weeks

“The funds raised will help assist in medical treatment, accommodation costs, travel expenses and also funds to help Mia and her family enjoy life as comfortably as they can,” Mia’s uncle, James, and page creator wrote.

The family have also created a Facebook page for people to stay updated on Mia’s progress.

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