‘I just need to let Theo know Mummy tried’
MUM HOPING TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP HER CANCER BATTLE
A MUM is desperately trying to raise enough funds for life-extending cancer treatment in the USA, writes Maia Snow.
Emma Shaw, 40, who has a rare type of breast cancer, is hoping to travel to receive treatment not available on the NHS.
She wants to spend more time with son Theo, aged eight, saying: “I have to try to get this treatment, because I need him to know that Mummy tried.”
EMMA Shaw’s life was perfect. In August this year she had recovered from a rare form of breast cancer, her son had been accepted on to a prestigious football training camp and she had just enjoyed a holiday in Mallorca with her new partner.
Then, less than a month later, her world was turned upside down when she was admitted to hospital. After battling pneumonia in hospital for three weeks, the 40-year-old got the life-changing news that the cancer she thought she had beaten had
I can’t put a cost on my life and time with Theo, so I am determined to make this work Emma Shaw
spread to her liver. Her triple negative breast cancer had returned, a type that affects only 15 per cent of breast cancer cases, it is very hard to treat and is more likely to recur.
Emma’s type of rare cancer is treatable with immunotherapy and specialist drugs but the treatment is not yet available on the NHS.
To give herself the best chance and to try to spend as much time with her partner and her son, she decided to raise money to go to America to receive the treatment she needs.
“For me, America equals hope. It is something I need to do and even if it doesn’t work, at least I know I tried,” said the 40-year-old from Rothley.
“I am obviously devastated, but I am just trying to find some hope. Without that I have nothing.
“I have done lots of research and America seems to be well ahead in terms of treatment.
“It is not a guarantee, but there are things on the horizon that could help me, it’s just a matter of when I will reach them.”
Emma has found it particularly difficult as she has eight-year-old son Theo, who has just signed with the Leicester City FC under-9s academy.
She wants to be able to spend as much time with him as possible.
“Theo just knows that Mummy needs more treatment and he accepts that I need more time in bed,” she said.
“He is a really good boy, but he is only eight years old. I have to try to get this treatment, because I need him to know that Mummy tried.
“I can’t put a cost on my life and time with Theo, so I am determined to make this work.” Emma discovered this treatment was available in the States through her research and decided this was the best thing for her to do.
But it is not going to be easy as this new treatment is expected to cost Emma and her family more than £90,000.
It will all be worth it for her, if she can “make more happy memories” with her family and friends.
Emma is not in this alone and has received “amazing support” from her partner Darren Moss, 42, who regularly travels from Wales to visit and help care for her.
Her parents have also been very important in helping Emma when she needs it most.
“My mum and dad have been fantastic. They haven’t let me spend a night on my own since this happened,” she said. “They take me to all my appointments and won’t let me drive because they are worried about me.”
Her sister Kate, 46, from Syston, recently recovered from breast cancer, giving Emma hope.
“She is doing much better now and this just shows that good things can happen,” Emma said.
She is appealing to everyone to donate whatever they can to help give her more time with her family and friends.
“I know we all have our stories to tell and I know that life, financially, can be a struggle but I am asking for as little or as much as you can give and in return I will be forever grateful,” she said. “Please help me make more time in the place where I have finally found my happiness.”
As of yesterday afternoon, Emma had raised £11,500.
If you would like to donate to the fund, you can do so by searching for Emma Shaw on: