Key Takeaways
- Declan, a young boy, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is undergoing treatment in Auckland
- The tumor grew after chemotherapy, and Declan will need to undergo a stronger round of chemo in the new year
- Declan’s family is facing a tough time, with his mother traveling between Levin and Auckland for his treatment, and his father staying with him in Auckland
- A Givealittle page has been set up to support the family with travel costs and to bring Declan’s father’s family members from the UK to New Zealand
- Declan’s mother is urging new parents to be aware of the signs of illness in their children, including checking the fontanelle at every check-up
Introduction to Declan’s Story
Declan, a young boy, has been going through a tough time after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. His mother, McComb, said that Declan would have to fully recover from a recent operation, which removed most of the tumor, before starting a nine-day round of stronger chemotherapy in the new year. Despite the challenges he is facing, Declan remains a happy and lively child, which makes his situation even more heartbreaking for his family. McComb described Declan as a "little fighter" who is loved by everyone, including the nurses who are taking care of him.
The Family’s Struggle
The situation has taken a toll on McComb, who is struggling to sleep and does not feel like eating. She has been traveling between Levin, where she looks after her two other children, and Auckland for Declan’s treatment, while Declan’s father, Jay Fish, has been staying with him in Auckland. McComb’s 9-year-old son has autism and travels with her to Auckland, usually for four-day stints. The timing of the circumstances has not made things any easier, with Christmas just around the corner. McComb has not even had the energy or strength to start Christmas shopping for her other kids, and the holiday season, which is supposed to be a happy and fun time, has been overshadowed by Declan’s illness.
Support for the Family
A Givealittle page has been set up by Declan’s godmother to support the family with travel costs and to bring Fish’s family members from the UK to New Zealand. McComb is grateful for the support, which will help alleviate some of the financial burden on the family. She is also thankful for the support of her friends and community, who have been helping out in various ways. Since the first article on Declan was published in the Herald in mid-November, the family has received helpful support, and McComb is grateful for the kindness and generosity of strangers.
Declan’s Diagnosis and Treatment
McComb first realized something was wrong in late October when her friend noticed Declan’s fontanelle was larger than normal. An MRI at Wellington Hospital then found a 4cm tumor in Declan’s brain, which McComb later learned was a choroid plexus papilloma. Declan never showed any symptoms of being ill, apart from the fontanelle, and McComb is urging new parents to be aware of the signs of illness in their children. She is advising parents to always look for signs and to get their midwife or Plunket nurse to check the fontanelle at every check-up. McComb said that nobody knew their child better than themselves, but some things could go unnoticed when with them every day.
The Road Ahead
McComb said that she and Declan’s father would continue to fight alongside him, and that this was not going to be the end. Declan will need to undergo a stronger round of chemotherapy in the new year, and McComb is preparing herself for the challenges that lie ahead. She is determined to support her son and ensure that he receives the best possible care. With the support of her family, friends, and community, McComb is hopeful that Declan will overcome his illness and lead a happy and healthy life. As she said, "This is not going to be the end," and with the right treatment and support, Declan can overcome his challenges and thrive.
