Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Brave Lily charms UF after TV show
An i nspirational young dancer from Perth has charmed America with her debut TV performance.
Lily Douglas is receiving pioneering proton treatment in Florida to beat an aggressive form of cancer.
The 10-year-old was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma last year and she has already had surgery to remove a shoulder blade.
Before she left for the US in April, she received the good news from doctors that fresh scans showed she is now cancer-free.
Lily is now receiving groundbreaking proton therapy to ensure the disease stays away. The treatment is not available in the UK but there are plans to introduce it later this year.
During her 10-week stay, Lily has become something of a celebrity.
She was given a starring role at an American football game and has been interviewed for US TV.
Lily joined the Jacksonville Sharks Attack Dance Team and was given a standing ovation from the crowds at the Veterans Memorial Arena.
In an interview for the team’s magazine, she spoke about her greatest inspiration, her friend Katie, who was also treated for bone cancer.
“Katie’s cancer was in her leg and she had to have most of it removed,” she said.
“She was so brave and is only 10 years old. Every time I see her, she is smiling.
“Katie is fantastic at swimming and is even talking about going to compete in the paralympics at the Commonwealth Games. She inspires me to stay strong and be a better person.”
She added: “My dream holiday was to go to Universal and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. I was very lucky that a group of people back in Scotland have raised money for me, my mum and my brother Leon to go.”
She said she is already planning a return trip to Florida later this year.
“I may even drive up to Jacksonville to visit all the doctors and nurses at the proton centre and of course come to see the Sharks Attack Dance Team,” she said.
Members of the troupe wrote to Lily after their performance, and said: “We hope you feel as beautiful and special as you are. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Mum Jane said Lily had enjoyed a “fantastic” time with the Jacksonville Sharks dance team.