Home for Christmas
Brave Aidan delighted to be with family after months of cancer treatment in US
A Fallin youngster who spent nine weeks in America receiving treatment for an aggressive form of childhood cancer is looking forward to spending Christmas at home with his family.
Aidan Slater, 11, was in June diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare condition that affects fewer than 60 people in the UK annually.
In the weeks that followed his diagnosis, friends, family and the wider community embarked on a fundraising drive to help pay for the youngster to head across the Atlantic for proton beam therapy.
This treatment, which is only available in the USA, is unlike conventional radiotherapy in that it targets only cancerous cells, causing minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
Aidan and his mum Lauren and dad Graham left for Jacksonville, Florida, on August 28, and remained stateside for around two months
beforereturninghometowards the end of October.
About a month of chemotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children followed before his gruelling treatment came to an end earlier this month.
The Fallin Primary pupil is now awaiting his end of treatment scan results in the new year – but for the time being is just looking forward to a festive family get-together this weekend.
Mum Lauren, who is hoping to return to her work at Stirling Community Hospital in the new year, said:“It’s nice for us to have a little relaxing time now. It feels like ages since Aidan’s diagnosis but it’s just been so busy. The therapy takes a little while to take effect so we will find out more after the test results in the new year. The doctors are really happy with how things have been going though.
“The hospital have been great with Aidan, the staff are amazing and he’s had a few special visits so he has enjoyed that – especially the Celtic players.”
When in the US Aidan underwent treatment from Monday to Friday each week before being allowed some downtime at the weekends.
Aidan’s aunt Jo Hodgson was an integral part in the Teamaidan – #Cancersucks fundraising campaign, which raised more than £7000, allowing the youngster to travel for the treatment.
Events such as a Cowie United Brave the Shave night, a bag pack at Morrisons, a coffee morning at Fallin Church Hall and a concert at the Golden Lion all helped raise the crucial sum while members of The PEAK also donated the refunds they received after the facility’s temporary closure in the summer to the cause.
Jo said:“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone for their generosity and support.
“Aidan has dealt with everything extremely well. I think the chemo has been very tiring for him but the last treatment was on December 9.”