The family of a Fife girl who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour say they have been touched beyond words by the kindness of their community.
Shikira McMahon a pupil at St Ninians primary in Cardenden, was told just weeks ago that she has diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a condition in which a tumour grows in the middle of the brain stem.
Because it is positioned within the nerves, doctors gave Shikira’s family the news the tumour could not be surgically removed.
Shikira’s stepdad, Scott McMahon, 37, told The Courier: “We took Shikira to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on May 13th as she became quite ill shortly after having a wee bump in the garden.
“She kept being sick, so the doctors decided to do a scan which showed not only that she had a tumour but that her life was in danger.”
Shikira, 12, is now undergoing radiotherapy at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital and is staying with her mum Maureen, 32, at a house near the hospital provided by the CLIC Sargent charity.
“The accommodation is great and we have also had a lot of help from Edinburgh-based children’s cancer charity Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents,” said Scott.
“It’s been really hard, though, as we are a family of six, so it’s a daily struggle to juggle everything and travel back and forth to Edinburgh to see Shikira and Maureen.
“I’ve had to stop working for the time being and Maureen had to turn down a job she got working with disabled children just before Shikira got ill so she could help care for her.
“Obviously as a result money is extremely tight and we are all very worried for what the future holds and how we are going to pay the bills.”
In a bid to help the McMahons, the Cardenden community rallied around and held a fundraiser at the Bowhill Centre on Sunday. Local bands provided entertainment and there was an auction with prizes donated by local companies.
Scott said: “The fact the tickets went so quickly is testament to the level of support there is for Shikira in the community, and we are so thankful to everyone involved.
“We really have been touched beyond words to know so many people care.”
Scott said the family are looking into the possibility of sending Shikira to New York where a new radiation treatment is being developed.
“We are meeting with a neurosurgeon to discuss a case study that was done over there as we want to find out if it’s an option worth considering,” he said.
“In the meantime we are just taking each day at a time and trying to stay positive for our brave wee lass.”
Shikira’s siblings, Reece, 14, Colton-Lee, 9, and Bonny, 4, have also been trying to keep their sister’s spirits up.
“We’re all just doing our best to be there for her and be as positive as we can be,” Scott said. “She really has been so amazing through it all and always has a smile on her face, which keeps the rest of us going.
Shikira’s family are hoping to trade their car in for a bigger vehicle more suitable to transporting a wheelchair.
If anyone can help, Scott can be contacted on 07845 597331.