Chippenham mother urges parents to trust instincts on child's illness

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 06:18 · Archive

A Chippenham toddler was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma shortly after his first birthday after his mother pushed for answers.

Jerica Van Weenan's son Koa, a toddler from Chippenham, was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma shortly after his first birthday. Between January and mid-March, she contacted her GP, A&E and paediatric services more than 20 times because she was worried about him.

Koa suffered persistent fevers, a runny nose and a chesty cough. His behaviour also changed, and he developed unusual dark, bruised-looking marks around his eyes. Medical staff repeatedly told Jerica that Koa was experiencing back-to-back viral infections.

Jerica searched his symptoms online and came across neuroblastoma, which she raised with a consultant. She continued pushing for answers and eventually refused to leave hospital until Koa was scanned. She said: 'As his mum, I knew my child, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something much more serious was happening.'

Jerica is now sharing her family's experience to raise awareness of the rare childhood cancer and encourage other parents to keep seeking answers when something does not feel right.

Chippenham mother urges parents to trust instincts on child's illness — Image: Gazette & Herald

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How it is being reported

Mum knew ‘something wasn’t right’ before baby’s devastating diagnosisA mum whose young boy is battling a rare and aggressive cancer is urging other parents to trust their instincts if they believe something is seriously wrong.Gazette & Herald · 12 Oct, 05:00
Mum knew ‘something wasn’t right’ before baby’s devastating diagnosisA mum whose young boy is battling a rare and aggressive cancer is urging other parents to trust their instincts if they believe something is seriously wrong.Wiltshire Times · 12 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Koa Van Weenan · Jerica Van Weenan · Chippenham

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