Kitty Belle's Fund

Kitty's story 

Kitty loved life. She was creative and had a wonderful sense of humour. In February 2020, at 7 years old, Kitty was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that, at the point of diagnosis, has only a 40-50% chance of long-term survival. 

After weeks of being unwell, and having taken Kitty to many different doctors, her parents took her to Alder Hey A&E where she was eventually diagnosed. Her parents say their world completely fell apart and they were devastated.  

Kitty began the long and intense neuroblastoma treatment programme at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Kitty endured 80 days of Rapid COJEC chemotherapy, extensive surgery, more surgery for a blocked bowel after tumour removal, high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.  

Kitty initially responded well. There was even talk of end of treatment and Kitty having her dreaded feeding peg removed. However, whilst managing the demands of the immunotherapy phase, scans mid-way through sadly revealed that Kitty had relapsed. Her cancer had returned. 

After lots of discussions and research, Kitty was enrolled in a different clinical trial, but unfortunately that too was unsuccessful. 

She then went on to enrol in the MiNivAn clinical trial at the University of Southampton, a trial aiming to improve outcomes for children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. Unfortunately, Kitty deteriorated before the start date of her trial.  A biopsy on Kitty’s liver on February 2nd, 2022, showed multiple new lesions. In disbelief, her parents and the medical team had to talk about and prepare for palliative care. 

Kitty sadly passed away at home on February 8th, 2022. 

Kitty's legacy 

Kitty’s mum, Sally, describes treatment for neuroblastoma as brutal. As parents they didn’t ever think it was going to happen to their perfect little family - they had never known a child close to them to have cancer. Shocked at the devastating impacts of treatment and side effects for children fighting cancer today, it was harrowing as parents to watch Kitty endure the difficult side effects. Kitty fought every single day like a warrior just so she could get back home to her happy place. 

Kitty was simply beautiful inside and out; she had a wonderful sense of humour, and she was kind-hearted and utterly fearless. She simply loved life.  

She was her own little person; she didn’t really like to be the centre of attention, so being ill for Kitty was her worst nightmare! She loved school and hated it if she had to have a day off. Kitty idolised her big brother Roddy and would always want to be doing whatever he was! 

Kitty was also very creative. Her drawing, Lego making, and clay modelling were brilliant – she could make anything. As she got older and whilst going through treatment, she developed a passion for collecting crystals. Her parents say they now have so many, and they – along with friends and family – continue to leave them in places they visit in memory of Kit.  

Her parents don’t think they will ever be able to find the words to describe how much they miss Kit and every little thing about her. Her beautiful smile. Her infectious little giggle. Her long blonde curly locks. Everything. 

Together with their wonderful family and friends, they hope that by setting up Kitty Belle’s Fund, her name will live on in raising funds and awareness of neuroblastoma with the hope that one day there will be a cure. 

Kitty’s parents describe how Solving Kids’ Cancer UK was a wonderful source of information to them when, at times, they felt very alone in trying to research further treatment options for Kitty. The Family Support Team organised many meetings with different professionals to guide Kitty’s parents, ensuring awareness of the most up-to-date clinical trials. They say they were blown away by the knowledge the Solving Kids’ Cancer UK team had and will be forever thankful for the hope provided. 

Kitty’s loving family say, “Kitty has the most kind and caring nature, she loved being around her family and friends. And was always so patient and gentle. She really wanted to live life to the fullest. Always keen to try new things, have a go at everything, nothing was off limits with Kit! She was super resilient and brave beyond words. She was otherworldly, such a special child and we are so grateful we got to spend so many magical times with her."

<sub>Terms and conditions

Funds raised through Kitty Belle’s Fund are designated to the areas of spend chosen by the family and are currently designated to the funding of research grants, research-related activities of the charity in accordance with Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) guidelines, providing pastoral funds to families we support and supporting those fundraising for access to treatment. </sub>

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