12-year-old girl with brain tumor diagnosed at Specsavers dies

A ‘brave and lovely’ 12-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor during a visit to Specsavers passed away before her family could fund £200,000 for treatment not covered by the National Health Service.

Grace Kelly, a resident of Oadby, Leicestershire, died away on Saturday, August 13, surrounded by her family.

She was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiforme at Leicester Royal Infirmary in August of last year after an MRI revealed a 50p-sized tumor.

During a regular eye exam at Specsavers, an optician observed swelling behind her eyes.

 

The tumor tragically returned after an eight-hour surgery, many rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation.

 

Prior to her death, her family attempted to fund £200,000 so that she might get a life-saving immunotherapy in Germany that was not covered by the NHS since she was ineligible for treatment in the UK.

 

Her mother Vanessa, 32, said, ‘Our courageous and beautiful child fought her disease like a fighter, never complaining and always smiling.

 

Our ideal lady was courteous, witty, courageous, gorgeous, and intelligent.

 

“We were extremely fortunate to have her as our daughter, and she was an incredible older sibling to Marissa and Nathan.” She will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Grace's mother says there is a lack of funding for brain tumour treatment and wants there to be more options available. Pictured: GraceThe 12-year-old's parents were left frustrated by the lack of treatment options for her. Pictured: Grace's siblings Marissa and Nathan in their Leicester City shirtsPictured: Grace's siblings Marissa and Nathan wear their Leicester City shirts in memory of their sisterThe family of Grace, pictured, were trying to raise money for her to have immunotherapy in GermanyGrace's mother Vanessa said she finds it 'shocking' that the pioneering immunotherapy treatments are not available in the UK

“The loss has devastated all of our hearts, and we still can’t believe she’s gone. She will remain with us forever.

 

We spent 12 incredible years with Grace, but it wasn’t enough; we already miss her. I have no idea how we will survive without her. Fly high, Grace, our angel. “I find it startling and disheartening that these innovative therapies are not accessible in the United Kingdom,” remarked Vanessa.

 

There is a resource that may be useful, but we cannot access it.

 

We are astounded that the standard of treatment for brain tumors has remained unchanged for two decades.

 

“Knowing there is no treatment for Grace’s illness is very upsetting, but we will not give up.

 

There is a severe dearth of financing, and we urgently want more viable therapies.

 

According to Brain Tumour Research, brain tumors are the leading cause of death among children and young people under the age of 40.

 

Hugh Adams, director of stakeholders relations at Brain Tumour Research, stated, ‘We are profoundly sorry to discover that Grace has passed away due to this debilitating illness. Our sympathies are with all those who knew and loved her.

 

Only with the assistance of individuals like Vanessa and John are we able to further our study into brain tumors and better the prognosis for kids like Grace who are forced to battle this terrible illness.

 

“Brain tumors are indifferent.” They are capable of affecting anybody at any moment.

 

Because so little is known about the reasons, more investment in research is essential.

 

To make a gift in memory of Grace, please visit braintumourresearch.org/donation/donate-to-brain-tumour-research.