Imagine facing such an unimaginable challenge with your toddler. Little Dominic Rockcliffe, initially thought to have a common sickness bug, was heartbreakingly diagnosed with brain cancer at just six months old. After three rounds of unsuccessful chemotherapy, Dominic’s only hope now lies 1,100 miles away in Latvia, where he could receive a potentially life-saving treatment.
His journey began with occasional vomiting and failure to thrive. Doctors initially suspected a simple sickness bug or acid reflux, but an MRI revealed a much graver condition: hydrocephalus and a brain tumour known as optic pathway glioma. Emergency surgery soon followed, along with more attempts at chemotherapy, but none had the desired effect.
Dominic’s devoted mum, Kristiana, now has a glimmer of hope with a cutting-edge drug called Tovorafenib, available in the EU but not the UK. Thanks to Dominic’s dual citizenship, he qualifies for this treatment in Latvia, and Kristiana is dedicating herself to making this happen.
Despite the challenges, including an eight-week hospital stay due to a meningitis infection from his shunt, Kristiana remains determined. She’s currently raising funds to cover medical and travel costs for Dominic’s treatment abroad. They are set to fly to Latvia by the end of July, where Dominic will be the first child in the country to access this new drug.
Dominic’s condition means he needs to be well enough to travel, so more temporary chemotherapy is planned to stabilise him. Kristiana is pouring her energy into ensuring Dominic can begin this new treatment, hoping it will finally bring a positive turn in his fight against cancer.
The family’s strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and they need our support now more than ever. If you can help, even the smallest contribution to Kristiana’s fundraising efforts would make a world of difference. Let’s rally around Dominic and give him the best chance for a brighter future. 💛 #SupportDominic 👫🎗️