Katie with Dr Robertson and Nurse Mary Hesskett
Katie and I would like to say a big “thank you” to everyone who made this trip to America possible and for all your support and generosity. We have been so overwhelmed by the response of donations and also the kind words of encouragement which have helped us as a family see this through. The trip enabled Katie to participate in a clinical trial for the tumour reducing drug Gleevec.
The visit to Indiana went very well. At first Katie had a reaction to the Gleevec drug, but this has been controlled by steroids. We were shown scans of another child on the drug and the results were astonishing. The tumour had restricted the child’s airway leaving her with a narrow space to breath through, but after six months on Gleevec the tumour had shrunk right back, enabling the child to breathe normally.
The doctors are very excited about this drug and we hope and pray it helps Katie. We are due to fly back to Indiana in six months’ time when Katie will have another scan to see how things are progressing. Even if the Gleevec stops the tumour from growing, it will be a significant result for her. Some days are hard for Katie, as the drug sometimes makes her feel sick and tired, but Katie is a fighter and overcomes any setbacks. She continues to be an inspiration to anyone who meets her.
Dr Robertson and his nurse Mary Hessket, pictured above, admired Katie’s spirit and remarked on her being a very determined young lady. Katie is certainly that and she still manages to laugh and has a great sense of humour. However, she can also be stubborn, for which we are very thankful, because we believe that’s what has helped her remain so strong.
We are often asked how do we cope - well the truth is it’s Katie that keeps us smiling as she has been through so much and takes it all in her stride. She really is a brave and courageous girl.
We are sure you will all want to know how much you have helped to raise. We can’t believe it, but the total is an amazing £9,655!!!!!!
So thank you all once again. Katie really is a special girl who deserves this chance and you have all helped to give her the lifeline she truly deserves.
Yours truly,
Vanessa
There are so many of you that i know who put lots of time and energy into this, you all know who you are, Thank you all so much.
Please visit katies own website and leave her a message in her shout box Thank you
http://www.angelkatzs.piczo.com/?cr=4&rfm=v
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wE_S6c9GVmg