A young girl who had ‘never visited the GP’ was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after her initial symptoms were ‘repeatedly dismissed’.
Armaie Burrows-Pitt. from Rugby, is now facing six months of gruelling chemotherapy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Until just a few months ago, Armaie, known as Melly, was a bubbly 11 year old who loved gymnastics and was always on the go. However, her family noticed a concerning change during a holiday to Devon, when Melly was noticeably tired and not her usual self.
By the end of April, Melly had developed a stiff neck and persistent pain in one of her legs. Despite visiting the GP, her family said they were repeatedly reassured she had a viral infection or possibly tonsillitis and that there was nothing seriously wrong.
Over the following weeks, Melly developed headaches and pain in her arms, with doctors struggling to understand her symptoms. Her family watched as the lively youngster they knew became ‘a complete shell of herself’, reports Coventry Live.
Armaie (Left) is being treated at Birmingham Childrens Hospital(Image: Emma Whyte)
Auntie Emma Whyte said Melly became increasingly ‘lifeless’ as her condition worsened. Mum Nikki continued pushing for answers because she knew something was being missed.
Melly was admitted to Warwick Hospital in June before being transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. After undergoing X-rays and blood tests, Melly was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in July.
Emma described the weeks preceding the diagnosis as excruciating because nobody could provide an explanation for what was occurring. She remarked: “It is awful because you just have no answers.”
Melly is currently undergoing six months of intensive chemotherapy while battling the rare and aggressive cancer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Emma characterised Melly as amongst the ‘bravest’ young girls she knows.
Armaie Burrows-Pitt was diagnosed in July(Image: Emma Whyte)
She explained that Melly had always been remarkably resilient and seldom complained, making it particularly difficult to witness her now requiring assistance with daily activities. Despite everything she has experienced, Melly continues to astonish her family with her determination to keep fighting.
Emma stated: “Melly is a very strong, courageous, brave little girl who has never been through anything like this in her life or moaned or whinged about anything. She is doing as best as she can and she is surprising all of us.”
Emma noted that Melly experiences good days and challenging ones, but is managing considerably better than anyone could have anticipated. She has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help create special memories once she recovers, including a trip to Tokyo Disneyland.
More than £8,500 has already been raised, with a portion of the funds being donated to Ronald McDonald House and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Emma expressed that the family hopes Melly will return home by Christmas.
Mum Nikki said she ‘knew something was wrong'(Image: Emma Whyte)
Emma is also urging parents to trust their instincts when they sense something is amiss with their child. She seeks heightened awareness of childhood cancer so that fewer families endure the uncertainty they faced before Melly received her diagnosis.
She explained: “We really wanted to just raise awareness around Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham so that other parents do not have to go through it and hopefully get a diagnosis sooner and do not get turned away just to make sure that nothing is missed.
“You believe doctors, and you want to believe them, but when something like this happens, and you just know that something is not right, it is only you that knows your child.”
A representative for the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) stated: “Our thoughts are with Melly and her family at what must be an incredibly difficult time. We are unable to comment on individual patients’ care.
“However, early diagnosis and treatment are important in achieving the best possible outcomes for people with cancer. GPs across Coventry and Warwickshire are regularly provided with national guidance and information on recognising signs and symptoms that may require further investigation, including referral through urgent cancer pathways where appropriate.
“We will continue to work with local practices to support the early identification of cancer and encourage anyone concerned about their health or that of a family member to seek medical advice.”