Team Skyla

On Saturday 8th August 2015, our lives were turned upside down with Skyla being diagnosed with Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Skyla is only 5 years old. We do not wish this upon anyone and it has hurt us deeply to learn of Skyla's DIPG incurable cancer condition.

A diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a tumour located in the pons (middle) of the brain stem. The brain stem is the bottommost portion of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. This is a paediatric cancer and usually presents in children aged between 5-9 years old.

DIPG has a 0% survival rate. The median overall survival of children diagnosed with DIPG is approximately 9 months. Skyla is currently on month 10 since she was diagnosed. She is doing better than what we told to expect, however we are aware that time is limited.

Surgery to attempt tumor removal is not possible for DIPG, therefore our only option was to put Skyla through intense radiation. Radiotherapy is effective in temporarily shrinking the tumour, but in time the tumour re activates, and further radiation is not possible, as the brainstem needs two years to heal. Skyla has shown signs of improvement since starting radiation, for which we are extremely thankful for. However we understand that this relief is only short lived and at any moment Skyla's health could deteriorate rapidly.

Skyla is a happy and funny little girl and touches the hearts of people where ever she goes. She loves animals and enjoys horse riding and swimming lessons. Skyla has a baby brother and cousins who she adores and spends a lot of time with. However, the cancer has changed her tremendously and she can no longer enjoy the same things she used to. Skyla finds it challenging to mange every day tasks and requires help from adults around her for simple things. DIPG controls part of the brain stem that controls balance, vision, heart, eating and breathing.

With your support, we plan to use the funds for:

1) Alternative treatments to help extend her life. This includes her current health supplement TBL12. You can read more about this on the following link if you wish: http://www.tbl12.com/

2) Activities for Skyla's enjoyment

3) Time as a family to make memories for Skyla alongside her baby brother.

4) Assist with family costs due to decreased work hours for the Hatwell family.

All funds remaining will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Auckland to help children and families in need. We are forever grateful for the support we have received from the Team and would like to return the kindness.

We will update this page with photo updates for your viewing pleasure. We would love to share this journey with you and we thank you for your support.

Aroha nui, Catherine (Skyla's step Mother).