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A Perth family are desperately hoping an experimental treatment in Mexico will help save their dying four-year-old daughter.

It’s a last resort effort from parents Trung and Sandy Nguyen who have spent more than $200,000 on an experimental treatment, The West Australian reports.

Four-year-old Annabelle was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, in September 2015 with her parents refusing to accept doctors telling them nothing could be done to save her.

“Two years ago we were told to go home and ‘make memories’ for the next six to nine months, and if we were lucky we would get 12 months, so we should make the most of it,” Mrs Nguyen said.

“No parent deserves to hear that.”

annabelle

After the family were told Annabelle had a short time to live they moved to Vietnam to try Chinese medicine.

The treatment Annabelle – who has been in Mexico since May – is receiving involves immunotherapy combined with intra-arterial chemotherapy drugs that are administered directly into the tumour.

“We haven’t seen a huge effect on the cancer but doctors here are happy with her progress, with slight shrinkage of the tumour and less intensity, or enhancement,” Mrs Nguyen said.

“This might seem nothing for what we’ve been paying but the little baby steps are big steps for us.”

“Half of me died the day Annabelle was diagnosed and for now we hope for a cure so I can see my daughter’s first day at school home in Perth,” she said.

“I’m emotionally and physically exhausted but I’ll do whatever it takes to fight this monster.”

“She doesn’t look any different to other children her age, except there is an incurable brain tumour inside her head,” her mother said.

annabelle2

The family have set up a GoFundMe Page to help with ongoing costs.

A recent update on the Gofundme page thanks everyone for their support.

“It has been almost four months since Annabelle having the IA treatment done here in Monterrey. It sure has been a rocky road for us, seeing her struggles every time she went in, it breaks my heart. Never have I thought that we will ever experiencing anything like this. Living in ‘fear’ everyday, what will happens…she is fine now but what if, that if… Also, being homesick is not helping as well.

annablle mf

“Thank you everyone for your supports over the last months, sure it’s not an easy road that we are facing but eventually, we will get there. Follow Annabelle on her journey #fightingdipgwithannabelle on Facebook.

Give her a chance to grows up and a special person as she is. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. We are forever thankful for all your helps .”

We wish little Annabelle loads of strength to continue her fight. Big love to them all xx

Share your comments below.

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  • I agree that people will try anything to help a loved one.

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  • You’d try anything to help your child.

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  • it’s great that gofundme exists to be able to directly help those in need. wishing her the best

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  • That’s heart breaking I really hope they can beat it, she’s already done better than the doctors predicted.

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  • No family should have to go through this.

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  • Aw bless, how hard ! Hope & pray the treatment will be effective !

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  • Heartbreaking story to read. Wishing this brave family and little girl all the very best. W

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  • My youngest daughter is 4. I didn’t want to read this, but I did. I wish for this little girl, and all other children, to NEVER have to suffer like this, to be able to grow up and live a long and healthy, happy life. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to my kids. Praying for this beautiful sweetheart. :(

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  • Yes, ‘whatever it takes’ is exactly whatever we will do for our children – God Bless Annabelle and sending strength and prayers to her family x

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  • What a terrible and difficult challenge they have to face. :-(

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  • My thoughts and prayers are with you sweetie also mum and dad.
    Much love and gentle hugs are sent.

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  • Wishing them the very best – every parent would do the same I am sure – whatever they can to care for their child.

    Reply

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