Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Our world fell apart when we got the news no parent ever wants to hear
Family tell of Hollie’s battle against rare brain tumour
CONCERNED parents David and Julie Massey started to notice a change in their sporty and happy 13-year-old last year as her health and ability started to decline.
After numerous doctor and hospital visits, the family were dealt the devastating blow that Hollie had Hypothalamic Hamartoma, a benign tumour associated with seizures, cognitive and mood problems.
The Year 10 pupil at Strathearn School in Bangor, Co Down, was put on medication but still has up to 12 seizures a day.
Mum Julie, a civil servant, said: “On 20th June 2018, our tiny world fell apart when we received the news no parent wants to hear, ‘Your daughter has a brain tumour’.
“Hollie, who is 13, was a very happy, healthy and sporty young girl until about a year ago when we noticed a gradual decline in her health and ability.
“The resulting tests and MRI identified a rare brain tumour – Hypothalamic Hamartoma.
“Hollie’s decline in health has accelerated as the tumour impacts on her cognitive ability, in addition to different types of seizures.
“Even with medication she continues to experience around 12 seizures daily. The uncontrolled seizures and difficulties in her cognitive learning and memory have had a catastrophic impact on her life, particularly as a teenage girl with her whole life ahead of her.”
Julie and David, who are also parents to son Harris, were told Hollie could not get the treatment on the NHS so they are now trying to raise £115,000 for pioneering surgery in Texas. Julie said: “There is a curable brain surgery but this is not available in the UK.
“We refuse to accept this and after our own research, we have recently been given the good news that Hollie is a suitable candidate for surgery in Texas Children’s Hospital, USA. “Without this Hollie will never be able to lead a normal life and this is why we find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of asking for help as it comes at a huge cost.”
The family launched a fundraising page this week and in a matter of hours they were overwhelmed by the response. They have raised more than £45,000 of their £115,000 target.
Julie said: “We can not thank people enough for all they have done, there are no words to describe how we are feeling.”
■ To donate visit www.gofundme.com/ m7jrt-help-for-hollie
There is curable surgery but it is not available on the NHS JULIE MASSEY CO DOWN YESTERDAY