When six-year-old Evie-Mae began struggling with her balance, her mother, Stacey, initially thought it was just a childhood phase. But what seemed like a minor issue quickly escalated into a parent's worst nightmare.
A Mother's Instinct Kicks In
"At first, I thought she was just being clumsy," Stacey recalls. "But when she started falling over more frequently and complaining of headaches, I knew something wasn't right." The concerned mother from Essex took her daughter to the GP multiple times, only to be told it was likely an ear infection.
The Shocking Diagnosis
After weeks of worsening symptoms, Evie-Mae was finally referred to hospital where an MRI scan revealed the devastating truth - a 4cm brain tumour. "My world collapsed in that moment," Stacey admits. "No parent is ever prepared to hear those words."
The Race Against Time
Doctors acted swiftly, performing emergency surgery just days later to remove the tumour. The operation lasted nearly eight hours, with Stacey describing the wait as "the longest day of my life".
Recovery and Hope
Thankfully, the surgery was successful, but Evie-Mae faces a long road to recovery. She's currently undergoing rehabilitation to regain her balance and coordination. "She's been so brave through it all," says her proud mother.
A Warning to Other Parents
Stacey now wants to raise awareness about childhood brain tumour symptoms: "Trust your instincts - if you think something's wrong with your child, keep pushing for answers. That persistence might just save their life."
The family is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research to help other families facing similar battles.
