TINA'S SURGERY - A LIFE-CHANGING MILESTONE

Today, we are absolutely delighted to share some life-changing news for Tina! Over the past four years, many of you have followed Tina's story, cheered her on, and kept her in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks to your incredible generosity and encouragement, Tina has been able to access specialist medical care in Italy, and she has finally undergone the surgery we once feared might never be possible.

A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE

Tina and her mum, Elizabeth, have now been living in Italy for the past four years while Tina receives specialist medical treatment for a complex plexiform facial tumour. Shortly after arriving, Tina underwent comprehensive assessments at Bambino Gesù Hospital. She initially began treatment with a medication called Selumetinib, which she remained on for two years, helping to slow the growth of her tumour during an especially important stage of her life. Plexiform tumours often grow more rapidly during puberty, so slowing the growth was vital to protect the vision in her right eye.

However, when the course of medication came to an end, the medical team concluded that surgery was not possible. This was incredibly disappointing news for Tina and Elizabeth, but they never lost hope.

MAINTAINING HOPE WITH A SECOND OPINION

The residence where Tina and Elizabeth live supports children from around the world who are receiving medical care and has close links with specialist hospitals across Italy. Through these connections, Tina was able to seek a second opinion at Fondazione Poliambulanza Specialist Hospital.

Following further assessments, the medical team felt they had the expertise to perform debulking surgery to reduce the size of Tina's facial tumour. We are so pleased to share that Tina underwent surgery last week, and it went incredibly well. The surgeons were able to remove a significant amount of the tumour, and Tina’s recovery has been remarkable. She has experienced very little pain and is now back at home resting. She is in great spirits and is already getting a little bored of taking it easy!

Most of all, Tina is absolutely over the moon with the results. She has already noticed that the vision in her right eye has improved and her face feels much lighter. It has been so lovely to see her smile with renewed confidence. We hope these early improvements will have a lasting impact on her comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPING

In between hospital appointments over the past few years, Tina has embraced opportunities available to her in Italy. She attends an Italian school three days a week and now understands the Italian language and is gradually developing her speaking skills. She also receives daily online lessons from her wonderful teacher, Madam Rosemary, in Ghana, ensuring she stays connected to her education and home.

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We are incredibly proud of Tina. Leaving home, adapting to a new country, learning new languages, and facing complex medical treatment have required immense courage and resilience.

A TRULY HEARTFELT THANK YOU

We want to say a heartfelt thank you. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of Tina’s sponsors and the many friends and organisations who have supported and encouraged her over the years. We feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside so many dedicated individuals, charities, hospitals, and organisations throughout this experience. It has been inspiring to see the power of collaboration and working together and the life-changing difference it has made for Tina and her family.

Tina's journey is not over, but today we celebrate a milestone that once seemed impossible. Thank you for walking this journey alongside her. Your support has changed a young girl's future, and for that we will always be grateful. Please continue to keep Tina in your thoughts and prayers as she recovers, and if you would like to support the next stage of her journey, you can find out more below.

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