A brave young girl who has triumphed over cancer is preparing to embark on a trip to New York for dedicated therapy, aimed at ensuring the cancer never returns.
At 4-years-old, Ava Bolton is journeying to the renowned city next week. Her family is hopeful that a novel vaccine treatment will provide her with the best opportunity for a lengthy, healthy life.
From Mauchline, East Ayrshire, Ava is celebrating the conclusion of an arduous 18-month battle with the ferocious stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a considerably rare and intensely aggressive form of childhood cancer. This daunting struggle initially left her with only a 50% chance of survival in the upcoming five years.
(Image: Garry F McHarg Daily Record)
Unfortunately, the form of cancer Ava suffered from carries a high risk of recurrence, which, if it does relapse, leaves the patient with a mere 5% survival rate.
This stark reality prompted her family to engage in the fight for Ava’s life, raising over £300k to secure Ava’s access to the specialized treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Centre in the US. This medical centre has developed the innovative vaccine that could prevent her cancer from returning.
Her father, Scott, 35, expressed the family’s extreme joy at Ava’s victory over cancer.
(Image: Submitted Ayrshire Live)
“18 months ago, our world came crushing down when we saw a scan showing cancer spreading from Ava’s head to her ankles. She was riddled with it. We were informed about her 50/50 chance of survival. It was devastating. Yet, to know she is cancer-free only proves her strength. She has defied the odds.”
“As parents, we cannot relax just yet. Our prime focus is on ensuring Ava gets the best care possible with this vaccine treatment,” says Scott.
Ava will be spending the next month in New York, accompanied by her dad, mom Natalie, 35, and older brother Lucas, 6. Over the forthcoming year, Ava will return to the city four more times for follow-up care at the specified child cancer treatment centre.
“It’s been quite stressful with the necessary paperwork andand samples. But now we’re primed and looking forward to it. After all, Ava and Lucas certainly deserve a holiday,” Scott said optimistically.
According to Scott, all the funds generously raised by Ava’s supporters have been directly injected into her treatment and travel expenses. The family will always be deeply grateful for the support they have received, and their transparency and gratitude are genuinely touching.
