A brave Kinross teenager diagnosed with an inoperable tumour says she is determined to live “as full a life as possible.”
Hannah Clarke (16) is preparing for chemotherapy after consultants confirmed the Desmoid tumour affecting blood supply to her leg had spread to a number of organs.
The Kinross High School pupil had a growth removed from her abdomen in 2009 during a complex 10-hour procedure. When the swelling returned last summer, however, further surgery was ruled out.
Although she is in some discomfort, Hannah manages to attend class and hopes to study either graphic design or media studies at university next year.
She has also embarked on a major fund-raising mission to say thank you to medical staff and raise awareness of her condition.
She is organising a Holywood-themed night at The Two Bridges Inn, South Queensferry, on February 26 for up to 350 guests. The event, entitled A Night At The Movies, will feature a red carpet, paparazzi photographers, a guest DJ and a charity auction.
Living between Dundee and Edinburgh, the 16-year-old has attended hospital in both cities and wanted to show her support.
All cash raised will go to Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) and Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia (TCCL).UnforgettableFACE organised for Hannah and her two younger sisters, one of whom also has a chronic disability, to visit Lapland in December.
“There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am towards the charity for giving us such an unforgettable day,” Hannah told The Courier. “Both FACE and TCCL work hard to ensure patient comfort and care — their work is so important.
“I am also very much indebted to all the staff at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh for taking such great care of me. They are fantastic.”
She continued, “I am generally well in myself at the moment, although I do get tired and have found my stamina has decreased.
“After spending much of my summer holidays in and out of hospital, my consultants decided that my tumour is chronic and inoperable, as further surgery would be very invasive and unlikely to stop the tumour from recurring.
“I started a course of hormone treatment in the hope it would shrink or stabilise the tumour but, following the latest scan results, the tumour continues to grow and has now spread over other organs.
“The next treatment option is chemotherapy, which will be life-changing for me and my family.”
Hannah is hoping local businesses and organisations will donate items and experiences for the event later this month, and that tickets will sell out.
The Courier will publish details of where and when to purchase tickets as soon as preparations are finalised.
Main photo courtesy of Flickr user atomicjeep.