BRAVE Atherton teenager Daniel Berry is back from America and on a new course of chemotherapy in his battle against leukaemia.
The 17-year-old Atherton lad this week started his fifth course of treatment at Hope Hospital, and faces an agonising six weeks wait to learn if it has been successful.
Daniel and his parents, Elaine and Gary, were reluctant to return to their Crosby Grove home from the M D Anderson Clinic in Texas, but decided they had no option because of lack of funds.
Last resort
The family had travelled to the States as a last resort after four courses of chemotherapy failed to help Daniel and British doctors said there was nothing more they could do for him.
The total cost for Daniel's treatment in America was estimated at £200,000 and, although they have been fund-raising since Daniel's diagnosis in September, they only realised £40,000.
Gary explained: "When tests in America showed Daniel's condition had changed from Acute Myeloid to Acute Lymphoblastic we were faced with an agonising decision. We really wanted to stay in America, but were worried we couldn't afford the whole course and since treatment is available at Hope we only really had one option -- to come back and try here."
Doctors in Texas told the family that if the chemo in the UK fails, as has previously been the case, Daniel can return for the original treatment plan.
Gary said: "It was a very tough decision to make, we had to do the best thing for Daniel. The clinic in Texas was amazing, very hi-tech and the staff were wonderful. We met a lot of people there, including families going through similar situations. So we are happy that should we have to return we know what we are going to."
In Texas the Berrys stayed in Ronald MacDonald House -- a reduced-rate home for sick children and their families, run by volunteers. Here they were able to live as normal a life as possible and were even provided with tickets for a basketball game.
Gary said: "We went to see the Houston Rockets versus the Boston Celtics. We all really enjoyed it -- and we won! We, Daniel especially, need distractions like that to keep us going. The whole situation is unbelievably draining, both psychologically and physically. We are angry and have no one to blame."
Gary was full of praise for his brave son: "Daniel is keeping us going -- he is an absolute tower of strength to us. He isn't daunted by any of this, he just wants to get on with it and live a normal life."
Daniel has recently used savings to buy a laptop computer to keep him occupied during the long periods of isolation he has to endure. He is also planning to use it to begin a home-learning course in computers.
Ideal way
Gary said: "Daniel needs something to keep his brain active and he has always been interested in computers so this is the ideal way to continue his education. It will give him something else to concentrate on and aim for."
The family are continuing to fund-raise for Daniel should he need to return to Texas. Donations can be sent to PO Box 33, Manchester, M24 9YX.
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