Armaie Burrows-Pitt, known as Melly, had been an active child until her family noticed a change during a holiday in Devon. She became unusually fatigued.
By late April, Melly developed neck stiffness and leg pain. Despite GP visits, her family said they were told she had a viral infection or tonsillitis. Later, headaches and arm pain left doctors puzzled.
Her aunt, Emma Whyte, described Melly becoming "lifeless" as her health deteriorated. Mum Nikki insisted something was being missed.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Melly was admitted to Warwick Hospital in June and transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital. After X-rays and blood tests, she received a Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis in July.
Emma Whyte said the weeks before diagnosis were "torturous" as doctors had no answers. She said: "It is awful because you just have no answers."
Melly is now enduring six months of rigorous chemotherapy. Emma called her one of the "bravest" children she has seen, noting Melly rarely complained and now needs help with simple tasks. Despite this, Melly continues to surprise her family with her determination.
Emma said: "Melly is a very strong, courageous, brave little girl who has never been through anything like this in her life or moaned or whinged about anything. She is doing as best as she can and she is surprising all of us."
Family's Awareness Campaign
Emma has set up a GoFundMe campaign to fund treasured experiences after recovery, including a trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Over £8,500 has been raised, with portions going to Ronald McDonald House and the hospital. The family hopes Melly can return home by Christmas.
Emma urged other parents to trust their instincts. She said: "We really wanted to just raise awareness around Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham so that other parents do not have to go through it and hopefully get a diagnosis sooner and do not get turned away just to make sure that nothing is missed."
She added: "You believe doctors, and you want to believe them, but when something like this happens, and you just know that something is not right, it is only you that knows your child."
NHS Response
A spokesman for the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "Our thoughts are with Melly and her family at what must be an incredibly difficult time. We are unable to comment on individual patients' care.
"However, early diagnosis and treatment are important in achieving the best possible outcomes for people with cancer. GPs across Coventry and Warwickshire are regularly provided with national guidance and information on recognising signs and symptoms that may require further investigation, including referral through urgent cancer pathways where appropriate.
"We will continue to work with local practices to support the early identification of cancer and encourage anyone concerned about their health or that of a family member to seek medical advice."
