Recently Anna signed our guestbook saying that she had suffered from Neuroblastoma as a child. I emailed Anna and asked if she would let us tell her story and she kindly agreed.
There are so many sad stories about Neuroblastoma out there, it is lovely to be able to tell you a story with a happy ending. Here is Anna's story in her own words.
"... I'm 17 years old and I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when I was about 18
months old combined with dancing eye syndrome (this is a rare neurological condition).
To begin with, my parents had no idea what was wrong with me. Although there was indication on my body that there was a tumour, as it
was growing on my spine and around the kidneys. My Mother became really concerned when I lost my speech, and walking skills and that I was having screaming
fits. I was taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, where they orginally thought I had a brain tumour, later they discovered it was Neuroblastoma.
When I recovered I was set back a year at school and suffered with learning difficulties for a number of years. When I was 9 years old I was told I should attend a specalist school, but my parents refused to comply and it
was a wise decision.
Schooling has been hard, frustrating and sometimes I just felt I couldn't achieve what my friends were achieving, but my parents and older sister were very supportive and gave me every help I needed, and I believe
I am starting to grow out of my difficulties. Eventually I succeeded in gaining a place at St.Georges School Ascot, at common entrance and went on to achieve three A grades in Art, English lit, English Language, three B
grades in History, Geography, Maths and three C grades in french and the sciences at G.C.S.E. I am now in lower Sixth studying History, Geography, Classics and English, and hoping at the end of school to study History/English at
Oxford Brookes. (if i get in of course!!)
I have since I was 12 done several activities such as horse riding for 3 years, I was in the athletics team, Piano in which I achieved Grade 7, Guitar Grade 3 and I am currently doing Salsa lessons. These activities
were difficult to begin with because I had bad hand-eye coordination and balance..."
What a determined young lady! Thank-you so much for your story Anna I'm sure it will be an inspiration to many people.
