Campaign launched to fund Sunderland boy’s cancer treatment
A Sunderland mam and dad have launched a campaign to fund their son's cancer treatment.
The Elshahawy family shared their shock and heartache with Metro Radio as they launch a desperate campaign for funds after their son Farid was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer.
Farid, a bright and happy boy who loves PacMan and football, was diagnosed with stage 3 high risk neuroblastoma a week before his fourth birthday.
The disease is so dangerous and the treatment options so limited that his parents face having to raise vast sums of money for potentially lifesaving, treatment abroad.
Mam, Sherine, said:
“Farid is responding well to the intensive treatment he’s receiving at The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle”
“There are clinical trials available overseas to help prevent the cancer returning because neuroblastoma has a very real risk of relapse which is difficult to treat and has a low survival rate. We know a lot of parents in our position have gone abroad for experimental treatment - because like us they’re so worried. We are in total shock; we knew something was wrong but we never expected to have to have to deal with this.”
Dad, Ahmed, said:
“Every month, we don’t know what’s going to happen, whether the cancer is coming back or not. Every MRI scan, every X-ray scan, it is a nightmare to us because we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
To ensure that the funds are there should Farid need them, the Elshahawy family has joined up with Solving Kids’ Cancer who have helped over 25 children with neuroblastoma secure access to potentially life-saving treatment they need.
Sherine and husband Ahmed have begun to receive donations from friends and family and are appealing to the public to give what they can to help Farid.
You can give to Farid’s fund at Solving Kids’ Cancer by visiting: