A four-year-old boy from Liverpool has been able to swim for the first time in nine months after completing treatment for brain cancer. Dzemil was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer shortly after his second birthday, and has since undergone three brain operations, 12 rounds of chemotherapy and proton therapy.
Because of his treatment, Dzemil was unable to bathe or swim due to the risk of infection. His mother, Hope, explained that for nine months he could only be sponge-washed, which was difficult for a child who loved to splash. The risk of infection, she said, could have led to sepsis.
Thanks to the charity Make-A-Wish UK and players of People's Postcode Lottery, the family were granted a holiday to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. During the five-day break, Dzemil was able to swim to his heart's content, with Hope joking that other visitors may have wondered if they were doing anything else.
Dzemil, who was born with a rare genetic condition and has learning and mobility challenges, also tried an aerial adventure in the treetops. Hope said he was hesitant at first, but after seeing other children, he gained confidence. She described watching him walk on a narrow bridge as a tear-jerking moment.
Although Dzemil is now in remission, doctors have said there is a high chance the cancer could return. Hope said she was grateful for the chance to make memories as a family, seeing her son with his six-year-old sister Amal, and being free from hospital appointments for a week. “It was just amazing,” she said.
