Toddler’s Misdiagnosed Ear Infection Leads to Life-Altering Diagnosis

A three-year-old girl from Formby, Merseyside, faced a life-altering diagnosis after what was initially deemed an ear infection turned out to be a brain tumour affecting her optic nerve. Chloe Kefford was taken to the Accident and Emergency department when she exhibited signs of car sickness and loss of balance. Despite being diagnosed with an ear infection and sent home with antihistamines, Chloe’s condition worsened, prompting her parents to seek further medical attention.

After additional tests, doctors discovered a brain tumour, leading to urgent intervention. Chloe underwent open brain surgery and has since battled cancer for over three years, receiving extensive treatment, including proton beam therapy last year following two relapses. This advanced treatment targets tumours with high-energy proton beams, aiming to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Chloe, now nine, was recently honored with a special award from Cancer Research UK for her remarkable bravery throughout her medical journey. Her treatments began at St George’s Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden before she continued at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Her mother, Nikki Kefford, 38, shared that the family had been preparing to relocate from Surrey to Merseyside just before Chloe’s diagnosis. “The house was already sold, and we were planning our new life by the beach when Chloe became ill,” Nikki recalled. The family faced months of isolation and uncertainty as they adapted to their new reality.

Chloe experienced a relapse shortly after moving, requiring further chemotherapy. Although she rang the bell to signify the end of her treatment in April 2022, a relapse in July led to more intensive care. “We were supposed to be going on holiday to Disneyland in Paris, but instead we went to Manchester for six weeks for Chloe to have proton beam therapy,” Nikki said.

Despite the challenges, Chloe’s siblings, Jack, seven, Joshua, five, and Sophie, three, have shown resilience throughout this ordeal. Nikki noted, “They didn’t complain. All they’ve ever known is Chloe being poorly, so they just get on with it.” Chloe’s joyful spirit has made her a favorite among fellow patients at The Christie hospital, where she often brightened the day of older patients with her singing and cheerful demeanor.

Currently, Chloe has partial sight and experiences fatigue from her treatment. “We’re hopeful that the recent targeted treatment has addressed the cancer once and for all,” Nikki explained. Chloe is currently on steroids and undergoing regular scans every three months to monitor her condition.

Nikki nominated Chloe for the Cancer Research UK Children & Young People Star Award, stating that Chloe inspires her daily with her unwavering positivity. “She has never once complained and is always smiling and happy. The trophy is in pride of place in her room,” she said.

Each year, approximately 400 children and young people in the North West are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, advances in research and treatment methods are leading to improved outcomes. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is part of a network of centers across the UK participating in groundbreaking clinical trials that aim to develop innovative treatments.

In 2018, the establishment of the Cancer Research UK Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, supported by TK Maxx, marked a significant milestone in children’s brain tumour research, bringing together international experts to revolutionize treatment development.

Jemma Humphreys, a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, expressed pride in recognizing Chloe’s courage with the Star Award. “After everything Chloe’s been through, it’s been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage,” she stated. The support of celebrities like JoJo Siwa and Pixie Lott adds to the honor of this recognition, highlighting the community’s commitment to childhood cancer awareness and research.