An Edinburgh toddler with Down's syndrome is fighting back after a rash turned out to be rare cancer.
Hope Kedziorski, who is just 23-months-old, was diagnosed with myelodysplasia after developing a suspicious rash in October 2020.
Hope has had to ensure ten surgeries to overcome the cancer, 19 blood transfusions and even fought off sepsis, The Daily Record report.
Her parents Kirsty Wilkie, 38, and dad Tomasz, 38, from South Queensferry, spent months in hospital as Hope underwent the gruesome procedures, but has remained incredibly brave in fighting them off.
Medics waited for Hope to get a little older before starting chemotherapy in April 2021 and she became an in-patient at the hospital until September while undergoing treatment.
Mum Kirsty said: "It has been a challenging and super difficult year for us. Initially, we were told she had a milia as we couldn't get a face to face appointment but I googled it and it wasn't the same.
"The rash was on her neck for four weeks until she underwent further blood tests which set off alarm bells as her platelets were low.
"She had a bone marrow biopsy which revealed she had blood cancer. Tomasz, who is a service manager, and I were heartbroken and worried sick."
As the effects of chemotherapy, especially in a young child, can be life-threatening, Hope had to wait until April to be strong enough to take on the procedures. Hope's parents spent every day by her side in hospital and we able to take her home for a week at a time.
Kirsty continued: "The scariest moment was when she had sepsis as her oxygen levels dramatically dropped.
"The whole summer was terrifying but Hope continued to amaze us.
"She had a total of six bone marrow biopsies and three central lines fitted and removed.
"And 19 blood and platelet transfusions yet she would still get up every day with a smile on her face and play."
But despite it all, Hope rang the end of treatment bell on October 18, 2021, just in time for Christmas. The HR adviser added: "Last Christmas was tainted because we knew it wasn't long until she was going to start treatment.
"We were heavy-hearted last year. We were apprehensive and scared in case we were going to lose our little girl to cancer or the side effects of chemotherapy.
"But despite being poorly, Hope took it in her stride and she was still happy all of the time.
"This summer has been beyond tough as we have watched our little girl battle this cruel disease.
"We were completely devastated and worried about her future."
The family of three are looking forward to celebrating Christmas at home.
Kirsty added: "Our end goal was to ring that bell as we knew the nightmare would finally be over.
"We are in a much better place this year, she has beaten her cancer and we have a nice future to look forward to.
"She is going to nursery in January and I am going back to work. This Christmas is going to be extra special."
Hope's mum now encourages other people to give blood to those in need.
She concluded: "It is so important for children and adults who are having chemotherapy as it wipes out all of their healthy blood cells. I have donated blood since Hope's diagnosis and I hope others do too. Hope has been amazing and anyone that has met her is in awe with her we are so proud of her.
"She is developing really well and even learnt how to walk on the ward."
