DEVASTATED parents of a toddler diagnosed with a large brain tumour are trying to raise money to stay by his side while he undergoes treatment.
Leandro Teixeira and partner Kelly Swinburn from Leamington discovered in June that their two-year-old son Romeo had an 11cm tumour growing on his brain. It followed the youngster suffering five seizures in one day earlier this year.
He underwent surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital but doctors were unable to remove the entire tumour. It has since led to him losing his sight and the chance of ever having his own children.
The toddler has also had a shunt fitted which moves fluid into his stomach. He will have the drain in for life.
Dad Leandro told the Observer: “As some of the tumour was not possible to remove, Romeo needs six treatments of chemotherapy and the doctors will then do a scan to see if they can operate again.
“I am so proud of my son and sure he will beat this, he has been through so much and is so strong.”
While the youngster is still hospitalised his parents have been keeping a bedside vigil, and their other three children have been staying with family.
But former council contractor Leandro has been forced to give up work and Kelly’s benefits have temporarily been stopped while she is switched onto Universal Credit.
The pair have set up a fund-raising page to enable them to continue staying by Romeo’s side and to pay for essentials and household bills.
Leandro added: “We would really appreciate any help as we are full time carers for Romeo and also have our newborn baby, Cristiano.
“I had to give up work so I could be with our son everyday at the hospital. We are in a really bad situation and currently rely on donations for food, transport to and from the hospital, and bills which are piling up. If anyone could support us in any way it would be a massive help.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-romeo-with-cancer-brain-tumour to donate or find out more.
