The family of a young man from Co Down have told how their lives changed forever the day they were told their son had cancer.
Jordan Kearney, who is from Downpatrick, had been suffering from debilitating headaches for months and his parents say these issues were dismissed as depression and migraines. The 22-year-old was later diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, with a tumour so deep seated that it is inoperable.
Now living in Aberdeenshire, Jordan is currently going through chemotherapy, but with treatment options limited, family and friends are fundraising for specialist treatments.
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"On Tuesday the 21st of June 2022 our lives changed forever," they said.
"Jordan visited the optician, a large mass was discovered and Jordan was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary within hours. Two days later, he became markedly confused and lethargic, so an emergency biopsy was performed and a shunt inserted to relieve some of the pressure.
"He was discharged after a fortnight to await the results of the biopsy. At home, he continued to be extremely lethargic and there had been no care plan given and no support offered to the family, so Jordan's mum took on the role of his full time carer. His dad and siblings make the 70 mile round trip daily to be there with him.
"Results of the biopsy came around three weeks later and he was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM grade 4) with spinal spread. Our lives have been placed in turmoil ever since Jordan's devastating diagnosis.
"There are very limited treatment options available in the UK and we have been searching obsessively to find anything that Jordan may benefit from. We have also consulted with a private specialist oncologist in London that has given us some great information on options."
In less than 24 hours, £8,000 was raised online for Jordan's treatment. His family in Co Down and in Aberdeenshire have joined forces to ensure he is given the best possible chance of living with the disease.
His family has described him as "a genuinely kind, caring and selfless person and is loved by all that know him".
They added: "Jordan continues to be as mannerable as ever and even thanks the nurses for doing his bloods with a smile on his face. He enjoys the freedom of driving and loves to spend time with his friends and family, so for him to be confined to a room is soul destroying."
To donate to Jordan's fundraiser, please follow this link.
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