Shropshire mum backs Christmas appeal two years after Son’s brain tumour surgery
Family urges the public to support vital research into cancer
A Shropshire mum is supporting Brain Tumour Research’s Christmas Appeal as her family marks two years since her teenage son underwent a 10-hour operation to remove a brain tumour.
Fifteen-year-old Alex Costa-Veiga, from Shrewsbury is part of the campaign which calls on the need to fund new research.
More than 100,000 people in the UK are thought to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term effects of the disease, yet research remains underfunded.
Alex's tumour was discovered in December 2023 after months of unexplained sickness, ending in an emergency procedure on Christmas Eve.
Now, celebrating his second Christmas since the diagnosis, Alex's family are reflecting on the journey and the critical need for better treatment options.
Melanie, Alex’s mum, said:
“People think once the treatment ends it’s over, but it’s not. There’s still a long road ahead. We met some children on the hospital ward who are no longer here. We count our blessings every day."
“We still need more answers and more research. There are only three options, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and they are far too harsh for children."
For over a year prior to his diagnosis, Alex experienced frequent morning sickness. Melanie was concerned but reassured by numerous tests and medical visits, was told it could be anxiety or gastrointestinal-related.
Blood tests, ultrasounds and paediatric appointments found nothing unusual.
Now under routine monitoring, Alex has since faced complications such as Posterior Fossa Syndrome such as left-sided paralysis, speech difficulties, and significant fatigue from intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Alex’s family has taken action to support other children like him, donating his tumour to research and taking part in fundraising events.