Toddler’s Ear Infection Misdiagnosis Leads to Life-Altering Surgery

A misdiagnosed ear infection has resulted in a life-altering condition for a young girl from Formby, Merseyside. Chloe Kefford, who was just three years old at the time, suffered from partial sight after her initial diagnosis led to the discovery of a brain tumour affecting her optic nerve.

Chloe’s journey began when her parents took her to Accident & Emergency after she displayed symptoms of car sickness and balance issues. Initially diagnosed with an ear infection, she was sent home with antihistamines. However, as her condition deteriorated, her parents sought further medical attention, leading to the shocking discovery of a brain tumour.

Challenging Treatment Journey

In response to the diagnosis, Chloe underwent open brain surgery and faced three and a half years of rigorous treatment, including proton beam therapy in 2022 after experiencing two relapses. Proton beam therapy is designed to precisely target tumours with high-energy protons, thereby limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Nikki Kefford, Chloe’s mother, shared the emotional turmoil the family faced during this period. They had been preparing to move from Surrey to Merseyside before Chloe’s health issues arose. “The house was already sold, and we were planning our new life by the beach when Chloe became ill,” Nikki recounted. Following the diagnosis, the family had to isolate for months and forgo planned holidays, including a trip to Disneyland in Paris, to accommodate Chloe’s treatment schedule.

Her treatment began at St George’s Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden before Chloe was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. “She relapsed not long after we moved and had more chemotherapy, then she rang the bell in April last year, but unfortunately, she relapsed again in July,” Nikki explained.

The family remained resilient throughout these challenges. Chloe’s siblings, Jack, seven, Joshua, five, and Sophie, three, have adapted remarkably well, supporting their sister through her health struggles. Chloe became popular on the shuttle bus to The Christie, where she received daily treatment, often singing and making friends with older patients.

Acknowledging Courage and Resilience

Despite her health challenges, Chloe’s spirit remains unbroken. She is now partially sighted, with one eye particularly affected, and her family’s focus is on preserving her remaining vision. Currently on steroids and monitored with three-monthly scans, Chloe continues to recover from her treatment and struggles with fatigue. “We hope she’ll have a bit more energy soon. She’s our little ray of sunshine,” Nikki expressed.

In recognition of her bravery, Chloe received a special award from Cancer Research UK, the Children & Young People Star Award. Nikki nominated her daughter, stating, “She has never once complained and is always smiling and happy. The trophy is in pride of place in her room.”

Every year, around 400 children and young people in the North West are diagnosed with cancer. However, advancements in research and treatment options are improving outcomes. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is actively participating in pioneering clinical trials, contributing to the development of innovative therapies. In 2018, Cancer Research UK established the Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, enhancing collaboration among international experts in this critical field.

Jemma Humphreys, a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, remarked on Chloe’s journey, stating, “After everything Chloe’s been through, it’s been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage with a Star Award.”

As Chloe continues her recovery, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of children facing health adversities and the importance of continued support and innovation in medical treatment.