Family’s Heartbreak as Toddler Diagnosed with Rare Leukaemia

A two-year-old boy from Kidderminster, England, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare form of cancer, after his symptoms were initially mistaken for tonsillitis. Olsen Sagers had been suffering from persistent tonsillitis and fever since March 2025, leading his family to seek medical attention multiple times. By July, his condition had become so severe that he was unable to walk, prompting his mother, Rebecca Jennings, to advocate for further testing.

In early July, after multiple courses of antibiotics failed to alleviate Olsen’s symptoms, Jennings insisted on a blood test. The family was referred to Worcestershire Hospital on July 9, where testing confirmed the diagnosis of leukaemia the following day. This type of cancer primarily affects the blood and bone marrow and is most commonly seen in children under the age of four.

On July 12, Olsen began his chemotherapy treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The initial course of treatment lasted four weeks and included intravenous chemotherapy and steroids. Every few weeks, he undergoes a lumbar puncture procedure under general anaesthetic, allowing doctors to administer chemotherapy directly into his spine.

Jennings described the experience as “earth-shattering.” She reflected on the journey leading to the diagnosis, stating, “His fever and tonsillitis symptoms just wouldn’t go away. It was so scary and confusing when he started struggling to walk. We just wanted to get to the bottom of it to help him.” She expressed deep admiration for her son’s resilience during this challenging time.

Olsen’s treatment has taken a significant toll on him physically, resulting in a complete loss of appetite. Medical professionals have fitted him with a feeding tube to ensure he receives proper nutrition during therapy. Despite the challenges, medical experts have indicated that there is a 90 percent chance Olsen will achieve complete remission. However, treatment is expected to continue for up to three years, involving both chemotherapy and additional targeted therapies.

The impact of Olsen’s illness has also placed financial strain on the family. Jennings, 26, has resigned from her job as a pub supervisor to care for her son full-time. In response, Olsen’s grandfather, David Warren, 67, has launched a GoFundMe page to support the family and raise funds for local cancer charities, including The Children of Worcester and Herefordshire Cancer Fund.

On September 27, 2025, David and his son, Michael Warren, 29, will participate in a 25-kilometre run from Bristol to Bath to raise funds and awareness for Olsen’s treatment. Jennings expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support, stating, “The response has been incredible, and it means the world.”

To contribute to Olsen’s cause, visit the GoFundMe page, where you can make a donation to support his ongoing treatment and the family’s needs during this difficult time.