1. “Belfast mother diagnosed with brain tumor faces limited time”
2. “Young Belfast woman comes to acceptance of limited life expectancy due to brain tumor”.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Rachael Burns, a 22-year-old woman from Belfast, started experiencing severe headaches and eye discomfort eight months ago. Initially diagnosed with ‘dry eyes’, her symptoms persisted and worsened, leading her to seek medical attention at the Royal Victoria Hospital. After spending several days on a trolley bed in the hospital corridor, an MRI revealed a mass in her brain identified as a diffuse midline glioma brain tumour with the rare and aggressive H3K27 mutation, which has also spread down her spine. Given only months to live, Rachael welcomed her daughter Raeya just last year.
Due to the size of the tumour, surgery is not an option. However, a life-extending treatment called ONC201, only available in Germany, has been identified. The total costs for the treatment, including travel expenses, could amount to almost £30,000.
Rachael’s mother, Jennifer Burns, set up a fundraising page to cover the costs of the treatment. In less than 24 hours, over £11,000 has been donated to support Rachael’s fight against the terminal illness.
On the Go Fund Me page, Jennifer expressed her determination to ensure financial worries do not hinder Rachael’s battle for her life or deprive her and her daughter of precious time together. Any remaining funds will be allocated to a bank account for Raeya to support her in life.
Rachael expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and donations received, describing the experience as surreal. She emphasized her determination to fight against the illness and make the most of each day.
Rachael’s Journey Towards Treatment
Rachael recently received her prognosis and is scheduled to begin six weeks of radiotherapy treatment in two weeks. Following her research, she discovered a clinical trial in Germany that could potentially extend her life by up to 22 months through the ONC201 treatment.
Despite the initial shock of her diagnosis, Rachael remains positive and determined to fight against the illness. She hopes to start the ONC201 treatment after completing her radiation therapy.
Reflecting on her situation, Rachael expressed her desire to live each day to the fullest and create lasting memories with her loved ones. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained hopeful and resilient in her fight against the illness.
Support and Encouragement from Friends
Lily Armstrong, one of Rachael’s best friends and Raeya’s godmother, highlighted Rachael’s caring and loving personality. She emphasized the importance of creating lasting memories for Rachael and Raeya and the significance of their time together.
Lily expressed admiration for Rachael’s strength and positive outlook, describing her as the strongest person she knows. She emphasized the importance of supporting Rachael in her journey and ensuring that Raeya has the opportunity to create memories with her mother.
To contribute to Rachael’s treatment fund and support her in her battle against terminal cancer, donations can be made through the Go Fund Me link: https://gofund.me/7e329624
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– young Belfast mum brain tumour diagnosis
– young Belfast mum months to live.
