Isabelle’s Story

“Isabelle was an energetic, healthy, happy and vibrant 13-year-old girl. She loved school, playing volleyball, doing jiujitsu and adored her holidays! Her smile and laughter was contagious, and her favourite time of year was Christmas.

In late December 2021, symptoms of headaches, blurred vision, a squint and morning vomiting began, along with poor balance. On 3rd January, she had an MRI scan. When we were told there was a growth in her brain, our world flipped upside down. The next day, she had the mass removed. Isabelle took it all in her stride and joked about the hospital gown being a great Halloween costume and that she felt she was in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy! Our beautiful, funny, cheerful and brave girl! Shortly after, we heard the words no parent should hear. Isabelle was diagnosed with a high-risk Medullablastoma brain tumour. Cancer.

The next nine months were far from smooth. The tumour grew back just weeks after it was removed, and the prognosis changed dramatically. She picked herself up after each setback even more fiercely than the last. Six months of treatment- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy. Scans, infections, NG tubes, injections, stem cells, hospital stays, intensive care, a Hickman line and countless medications. The stuff of nightmares that no child should have to endure.

One day in August 2022, in between rounds of chemotherapy, she awoke with a headache as well as blurred vision. An MRI showed it had grown back. We were told there was no further treatment anywhere in the country or world that would help Isabelle. How could this possibly be? We spent the following three weeks making memories with our precious Isabelle.

On 9th September 2022, Isabelle passed away in our arms. We live each day for her brother and for her.

We miss her every second. Her bravery, independence, kindness and determination will always be an inspiration to us. We will keep going until we are together again.”