A mum who was told her daughter had the flu discovered she had something much scarier – after looking online as her child’s health continued to deteriorate.
Helen Jackson took her daughter Gracie McHugh, then 2, to the hospital in January 2023 with flu-like symptoms. However, the child was sent home, where her condition quickly deteriorated.
Gracie developed a rash – and then lost the ability to walk – Jackson, 39, tells South West News Service via The Daily Mail. The mother of four looked up her daughter’s symptoms online and brought the child back to the hospital.
Helen Jackson with daughter Gracie McHugh, now 4 years old.
Cancer Research UK / SWNS
During treatment for leukemia, this mother of 5 danced for 15 minutes every day – and it saved her life (Exclusive)
There, they received the news that Jackson says was a “complete shock”: Gracie had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The word “acute” refers to the rapid progression of blood and bone marrow cancer, the Mayo Clinic says — and as Gracie’s mom explained, the child was playing and dancing normally around their house just days before.
Treatment was immediate, says the mum from Halifax, England: her daughter received a blood transfusion and was then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary for ten days of intensive chemotherapy and steroids. She also started physiotherapy to learn how to walk again.
“It was such a dark time when Gracie was diagnosed,” Jackson told the news outlet. “Fortunately, she was too young to understand what was happening.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(813x236:815x238)/gracie-mchugh-011725-2-3fbb8ef1983048b799e3b3f037865237.jpg)
Gracie McHugh in the hospital after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2.
Cancer Research UK / SWNS
A toddler’s snoring turns out to be an early sign of leukemia: ‘We all sobbed’
This March – more than two years after her initial diagnosis – Gracie is finally set to end her treatment. Her mother says she was left with weakened legs due to osteopenia, which is low bone density, which can be caused by chemotherapy.
Gracie has now signed up for a Cancer Research UK clinical trial to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
“Now the end is in sight as Gracie’s treatment is coming to an end and we have so much to look forward to this year,” said her mum, who added that Gracie’s bravery in the face of the disease had earned her a Star Award from Cancer Research UK.
“Cancer Research UK is such a fantastic charity to recognize these amazing and brave children and help fund the clinical trial Gracie took part in,” Jackson said.
‘We couldn’t be more proud that Gracie received the Star Award for being incredibly brave throughout her treatment.’
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education