Brave 11-year-old boy who was fighting a rare form of cancer, at the same time as his mother, dies at home after losing his gruelling 3-year battle
- Cameron Rowley, from Cheshire, died yesterday from his incurable cancer
- He was diagnosed with a desmoplastic small-round-cell tumour aged 8
- His mother Jacqueline Hickman broke the news of her son’s death on Facebook
- The ‘heartbroken’ Ms Hickman is herself battling an incurable brain tumour
A brave 11-year-old boy who was fighting a rare form of cancer at the same time as his mother has died.
Cameron Rowley, from Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, died yesterday, after a three year battle with a desmoplastic small-round-cell tumour (DSRCT).
His mother Jacqueline Hickman, battling an incurable brain tumour, broke the sad news of her son’s death on Facebook.
Tributes have poured in for the youngster, including from his beloved football team, who dedicated a victory towards his short life.
In a post on ‘Cameron’s Cause’ – a Facebook page set up to document her son’s progress – Ms Hickman broke the news.
Cameron Rowley died yesterday, after a three year battle with a desmoplastic small-round-cell tumour (pictured with his mother Jacqueline Hickman)
She wrote: ‘So utterly heartbroken to say that this afternoon my beautiful Cameron passed away at home with his family around him xx.’
Cameron was diagnosed with DSRCT when he was just eight years old.
The aggressive cancer that causes masses in the abdomen affects just two in every 500,000 people, figures suggest.
Ms Hickman took him to the doctors after he began to complain of feeling unwell and his stomach began to swell.
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Doctors gave him just two weeks to live when he was diagnosed – but he fought back, undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Despite his bravery, his parents Ms Hickman and his father Bren Rowley were told Cameron’s cancer was terminal last year.
They made the heart-breaking decision then to stop his treatment, to allow him to enjoy the final months he had left.
Ms Hickman told The Liverpool Echo: ‘He was a brave boy who battled right until the end. I’m so very proud of him and love him with all my heart.’
His mother Jacqueline Hickman, battling an incurable brain tumour, broke the sad news of her son’s death on Facebook
In a post on ‘Cameron’s Cause’ – a Facebook page set up to document her son’s progress – Ms Hickman broke the news (she is pictured with Cameron and his younger brother Ethan)
WHAT IS DESMOPLASTIC SMALL ROUND CELL TUMOUR?
Desmoplastic small round cell tumour occur in adolescents and young adults – but more common in males.
This tumour is malignant and often aggressive with a poor prognosis.
Despite intensive therapy, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, its 5-year survival rate continues to be less than 15 per cent.
While 3-year survival rates are around 44 per cent.
New therapeutic approaches include molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapy; the role of these modalities is yet to be defined.
She previously told the newspaper how her son coped ‘much better than she did’ with chemotherapy and applauded his bravery.
Cameron, described as a ‘typical boy who loved football and his Playstation’, was also a doting brother for his younger sibling Ethan.
His devastated father Mr Rowley also paid an emotional tribute to his ‘loving’ son Cameron on Facebook.
His post read: ‘It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I tell you this afternoon my hero Cameron grew his angel wings and flew to heaven.
‘He was surrounded by his loving family. He found peace with all the support from his family and many friends and has now moved on to a pain-free place.
‘He was such a loving and giving person and everything that made him the best person we know will be sorely missed by all who were privileged to know him.
‘I could never be more proud of you son for never giving up, you have battled hard for over three years, you were the best role model for your brothers.
‘You spread happiness and joy in everything you did and I am so thankful and privileged to be your dad, Cameron Rowley.’
Mr Rowley’s emotional post continued: ‘Sweet dreams son, goodnight god bless, I love you more than anything in the world.’
Tributes have also poured in on Facebook to the youngster, including from his beloved football team Chester FC.
The team wrote on social media: ‘Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Cameron Rowley – who has sadly passed away.’
They described him as an ‘inspiration to many’ and dedicated their thumping 3-0 win over Curzon Ashton in the National League North towards Cameron.
Many other friends, family and supporters of Cameron’s cause also took to social media to pay their condolences.
One mourner wrote:’ Rest in peace beautiful boy. He was such a brave fighter and did everyone proud. Thinking of you all. Fly high little man!’
Another wrote: ‘I hope you take some small comfort in how many peoples hearts Cameron touched with his incredible brave personality and adorable smile.’
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