Schoolgirl Denied Lifesaving Therapy
A 16-year-old schoolgirl, Faith Shone, is being denied crucial cancer therapy by the NHS due to her age, leaving her family with the option to either pay £70,000 for treatment or settle for palliative care. Faith was diagnosed with leukaemia, a result of the heavy chemotherapy she underwent to treat a leg tumor two years ago.
No Medical Trials for 16 and 17-Year-Olds
Despite the potential benefits of stem cell and CAR-T therapies through a trial, Faith is ineligible due to her age falling between the categories of adults and children. This 'blind spot' in the system has left her family scrambling to raise funds for the lifesaving treatment.
Race Against the Clock
Faith's father, Tim, expressed frustration at the situation, highlighting the unfairness of the system that prevents teenagers like Faith from accessing necessary medical trials. The family is racing against time to secure the funds needed for the private treatment that could potentially save Faith's life.
A Heartbreaking Decision
Faced with the grim reality of limited treatment options within the NHS, Faith has bravely chosen to forego further chemotherapy and focus on enjoying the time she has left. However, there is still hope for stem cell therapy, prompting the family to continue their fundraising efforts.
Lessons Learned
Faith's case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young patients caught in the gap between childhood and adulthood within the healthcare system. The Shone family's ordeal sheds light on the need for more flexible and inclusive approaches to medical trials and treatments for teenagers battling serious illnesses.
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