Noah was just 12 years old when his fun, carefree life changed forever. Whilst rehearsing for his school theatre company’s upcoming performance of “Tuck Everlasting” he started having headaches. These headaches became more frequent and were often accompanied by vomiting.
Thinking the symptoms were possibly from dehydration, Noah’s dad took him to his doctor. Upon examining Noah,the paediatrician did not like the way that his left eye was not constricting properly when a light was shined in. Ultimately he was referred for an MRI. He had a brain tumour.
Noah died aged 13 years and 7 months
Following the diagnosis surgery immediately followed to remove as much of the tumour as possible and a biopsy was sent for evaluation.
A week or so later Noah’s parents received the worst news of their lives; Noah was diagnosed with what is now called a Diffuse Midline Glioma (previously known DIPG), an incurable and terminal cancer. The poor prognosis was that Noah had about 6 to 12 months to live. ‘We don’t have a cure, but we can try to help give Noah more time’.
Noah had brain surgery, 30 rounds of radiation and 42 doses of chemotherapy.
Despite the best efforts of his doctors, surgeons and a new clinical chemotherapy trial, Noah’s health went from bad to worse – he was unable to hold up his head and the vomiting was uncontrollable.
A year after his diagnosis his team of doctors asked the family to consider quality of life over quantity of life.
Noah’s last 9 days on earth were full of prayers for mercy and healing. As his physical body continued to deteriorate, his family and friends stayed at his bedside praying and loving him; holding his hands, playing with his hair, and rubbing his feet. The morning before he died, Noah spoke his final words on earth to his Mum, “I love you guys”.
Losing a child stays with you forever
£10
A gift of just £10 could help give support to a family who are struggling with a new diagnosis
£25
A gift of £25 per month could pay for a days pioneering research into rare brain tumours
DIPG brain tumours are currently an incurable and devastating cancer.
DIPG robs a child of their hearing, sight, movement, the ability to swallow and eventually their breathing.
It’s only with your help that research into this devastating cancer is possible.
Joss Searchlight are funding vital research into the most life-threatening brain tumours. Please be part of our journey.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Along with providing financial grants to help families struggling with the expenses of having a child with cancer we also provide life changing support.
Support Workers who advise, visit and support families with compassion are an essential part of Joss Searchlight.
Family support is in our DNA, as the founding trustees know what an important part compassionate support played in helping them during their son’s illness and after his sad death.
We can’t fund research and we can’t support families without you.
FINDING A CURE
At Joss Searchlight we totally depend on donations. Donations enable us to fund vital brain tumour research, to find a cure for some of the rarest brain tumours, to campaign for better treatments and support families on their cancer journey when they need it most.
Research organisations need funding stability, they need to know that they have enough money coming in every month to allow them to do their incredibly important work. We need to pledge a certain amount of funding every year to make sure they’re able to do everything they can to find cures and treatment programmes for some of the hardest-to-treat brain tumours.
Children should enjoy their childhood
Not spend their lives fighting cancer
Help us find a cure for rare brain tumours. Give your support today
