Brave parents have described the terrifying moment their baby's milk vomiting turned out to be a sign of blood cancer.
Six-month-old Olivia-Grace Corcoran is now awaiting a stem cell transplant after a horrific ordeal that shocked mum Chloe Kirk, 20, and dad Jordan, 22.
At first, there was no indication anything was wrong – but when Olivia-Grace started to throw up her milk, the family took her to see their GP.
The baby girl was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. Since March, she has been undergoing treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital, as TeessideLive reports.
The young family from Dormanstown, North Yorkshire, took Olivia-Grace to hospital when she was just four months old.
"We didn't necessarily think anything was wrong even up to the few days before her diagnosis," said Jordan.
"She was throwing up her bottles and you think: 'That happens from time to time with babies.'"
Chloe and Jordan grew more and more concerned. Olivia-Grace continued to vomit, and the family were referred to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Jordan said: "We went in on the evening of March 18 and in the early hours of March 19, her blood results came back. That's when they told us the news.
"It was a massive shock. She was only four months old. She was born on November 19 and the diagnosis was made on March 19."
Olivia-Grace was sent to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for chemotherapy and steroid treatment.
After eight weeks in hospital, she was allowed home. Now, she goes back and forth to the hospital for treatment.
Her dad says she has been been "truly amazing".
"She has never stopped smiling through it all," he said. "Even going through chemotherapy, she's always smiling."
Olivia-Grace's story has spurred a massive fundraising drive to support the young family.
The local Ladies of Steel community group has organised an appeal, arranging sponsored walks and cycle rides. Volunteers have braved gruelling challenges and raised more than £5,000.
Jordan says the generosity has been astounding.
The money goes towards supporting Chloe, Jordan and their relatives as they help Olivia through her treatment.
Additional funds will go towards the children's cancer ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle..
You can find the GoFundMe page here.
The NHS says you should a sk for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your baby keeps being sick and cannot keep fluid down.
You should also do this if your baby has sick that's green or yellow, or has blood in it, or has a swollen or tender tummy. You can find more information here.
You should also see your GP if your baby brings up milk, or is sick, during or shortly after feeding and:
- is not improving after 2 weeks of trying things to ease reflux
- gets reflux for the first time after they are 6 months old
- is older than 1 and still has reflux
- is not gaining weight or is losing weight
