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*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2004 May 25 - Liver Girl Celebrates First Birthday
2004 May 25 - Liver Girl Celebrates First Birthday
NEWS RELEASE 24 May 2004 Liver Girl Celebrates First Birthday For Ella Biggs of Aylesbury the future looks bright as she celebrates her first birthday. This was not the case 12 months ago when she was diagnosed with a rare liver condition. Ella was born with haemangioma, a liver tumour. Mum Nicola Biggs explained: "Ella was very jaundiced when she was born. At 8 days old she was diagnosed with multiple skin haemangioma and her blood results were abnormal. She was then sent to King’s College Hospital, London where she was diagnosed with multiple haemangioma on her liver" Nicola says that discovering Ella was ill was an extremely traumatic time and that she was helped by the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, a unique national charity that helps fight liver disease in children and young people. At just five months old Ella underwent major surgery to remove a large part of her liver and her gallbladder. Nicola continues: "It was the worst time in my life; I think I only got through it by seeing Ella being so strong and brave. Due to Ella’s condition being so rare there was very little information that anybody could give me about her disease, but CLDF had so much other literature, it was invaluable. Also, just knowing CLDF were there helped me immensely. It was great to be given information about the Foundation and being able to read about other people’s experiences. Most people do not realise that children get liver disease. Amazingly, two children are diagnosed with a liver disease each day. Knowing too that the Foundation was there to offer emotional support if I needed it was a great comfort." She concludes: "I am so proud of Ella. Every day she is so brave and such a fighter. I admire her very much. Ella’s illness has made having her even more precious. She has been through so much in her short life and has come through it all a happy, loving and determined little girl." CLDF is the only organisation of its kind, fighting childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and educating health care professionals and the general public. It provides professional, emotional support to families affected. Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Foundation said: "Happy first birthday to Ella. It is always lovely to hear about children who are doing well. Most people are not aware that there are over 100 different liver diseases. Childhood liver diseases are very different from adult liver diseases and effective research is the key to providing a future for these children and young people with liver disease. It is only through the hard work of our supporters that we are able to continue this vital research and help to ensure that children like Ella have a bright future." If you would like more information about the work of CLDF please call 0121 2123839, e-mail info@childliverdisease.org <mailto:info@childliverdisease.org> or visit www.childliverdisease.org <http://www.childliverdisease.org> ENDS CLDF FACTS At least two children are diagnosed every day with a liver disease At least two children have a liver transplant every week in the UK There are over 100 liver diseases affecting children and young people, many of which are life threatening CLDF is the only organisation fighting childhood liver disease through funding research, education for healthcare professionals and the public, and providing emotional support to families. HOW YOU CAN HELP More information is available from www.childliverdisease.org or by calling 0121 212 3839 or writing to CLDF, 36 Great Charles Street, Birmingham B3 3JY.
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