Jenson's Fight Against Medulloblastoma

Hello,

My name is Vicky, and this is something I wish I’d never have to write about on behalf of my close friends, the Lewis family.

Sarah and Simon Lewis have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of their 3 children, Ruby, 16, Finlay, 14, and Jenson, 5. They are such a close, loving, and happy family, making memories together on life’s journey.

Unfortunately, one journey they never expected to navigate began in August 2023 when they received the heartbreaking news that 5 year old Jenson has a brain tumour, an aggressive form of cancer called Medulloblastoma. Jenson had shown little symptoms other than with his co-ordination and balance.

Only 52 children a year in the UK are diagnosed with Medulloblastoma.

This diagnosis has completely turned every aspect of their lives upside down. How do you even register and process receiving such devastating news? It’s incomprehensible, yet this is their reality, and they have been thrown into a new world of grief, chaos, and uncertainty.

Jenson’s treatment is intense. He has undergone multiple brain surgeries, tests, high dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, standard chemotherapy, and is currently on proton beam radiotherapy to improve his chances of survival. In addition to this, Jenson also received an ASD diagnosis and struggles with the daily aspects of treatments and expectations. It’s hard to imagine how Sarah, Simon, Ruby, and Finlay must feel as they see Jenson in pain and enduring horrible side effects, yet Jenson himself still has a smile that lights up the room whilst telling people “they need to fix my head so my legs will work better.”

Sadly, reoccurrence can occur in up to 30% of cases. As well as this being an ongoing, agonising worry for the family to contend with, Jenson will also have long term effects due to the proton beam radiotherapy, including infertility and stunted growth. Jenson will require hormone therapy as he grows due to the damaging radiation effects to his brain and spine, all of which will also affect his cognition and processing abilities even further.

Sarah and Simon are understandably unable to work, and their income has therefore taken a huge hit. There are daily trips from their home in Preston to Manchester, which Sarah and Simon take in turns, which means the family unit has been ripped apart, and means their financial situation has been significantly impacted by increasing travel expenses and unknown costs that Jenson may require in the future.

This is where we are asking for your help. If anyone can kindly make a donation, this will mean the absolute world to Sarah, Simon, and their family.

There is still a long road ahead with Jenson’s battle with cancer, but with your help and support, we can hopefully help the Lewis family financially so they can focus on what’s important – Jenson’s treatment and recovery and bringing their family back together again.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story. It is much appreciated.

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who would like to lend a helping hand.

Vicky xx