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Brave: Kate and Adam Proops with Iris, one, who has recovered after having three quarters of her liver removed due to cancer
Brave: Kate and Adam Proops with Iris, one, who has recovered after having three quarters of her liver removed due to cancer

Iris still smiling after beating rare tumour

Danny Brierley
09.03.09

A baby diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer has defied the odds to make a full recovery and celebrate the first birthday her parents never thought they would see.

Iris Proops was only six months old when doctors discovered she was suffering from an aggressive tumour that was expected to kill her.

She was rushed to West Middlesex Hospital in south west London after collapsing with what the family first thought had been a common cold.

Medics decided to transfer her to King's College Hospital, where days later doctors discovered a rhabdoid tumour on the toddler's liver.

The tumours, always found in children, are usually fatal.

Doctors feared there was no hope for Iris and parents Kate and Adam prepared themselves for the worst when she was put on a life support machine.

Mrs Proops, a 31-year-old teacher from Isleworth in south west London, said: "It was devastating. You cannot imagine what that is like to hear your child could die. No one thinks their baby is going to have cancer."

But surgeons removed the tumour and three quarters of Iris's liver in a last-ditch attempt to save her life.

Slowly she began to make a recovery that the family said had surprised her medical team.

Iris celebrated her first birthday last week and is midway through a 30-week course of chemotherapy prescribed to eradicate any lingering cancer cells.

So far, all of the scans taken during the course at Great Ormond Street children's hospital have shown the cancer has not returned.

But the family will spend years worrying about a relapse that could happen at any time.

"Her birthday was very emotional," Mrs Proops added. "I felt very lucky looking at all the cards that people had sent because at one point we did not think we would make it to that day.

"I will be like that for every one of her birthdays until she is older and we know it is not coming back."

Although she is making good progress Iris, whose hair fell out after the first bout of chemotherapy, cannot play with other children when her immune system is weakened by the powerful drugs.

Now her bravery and resilience have earned her an award from Cancer Research UK.

She was chosen to receive a trophy from the charity after being nominated by her grandmother, Anita Davies.

She said: "She has a huge zest for life and even when not feeling well tries her hardest to get on with being a normal baby and always manages to charm everyone.

"Despite her very young age, Iris has coped with some very traumatic experiences but she still gives you a great big smile and a giggle."

Reader views (7)

 Add your view

This story should be an inspiration to us all. It puts our troubles into perspective, insignificant as they are. Iris, I know your family gives you love, in return you give them strength. Long may it continue.

- Betty & Brian, Sutton Coldfield, UK

Lovely smile!She have miracle power and I got power as well. I love to meet again adam and kate and Iris maybe in Japan!!!

- Sarasa Shimura, Newzealand

Iris, Kate and Adam are true heroes. She is a Braveheart. May she live life long and full. Cheers.

- Lorraine And Peter, Auckland, New Zealand.

And she keeps on smiling! May we all learn from this precious little one. Happy 1st Birthday, Dear Heart.

- Lynnette, Lisle IL USA

Fantastic. Iris, I wish you a very long, healthy and happy life. This story has brightened up my day.

- Shirley, London

I think there wer two miracles here. One was of course Iris and her recovery- and the other was the remarkable skill of the surgeon who rescued her. He needs recognition and gratitude!

- Carrie Goldhill, PA USA

What a wonderful story, and what a very brave young girl. With all the doom and gloom that's going on at the moment, it's stories like this that should make the headlines, not only as a reminder to us all about how precious life is, but also to promote the great work that's being carried out in support of cancer research. May Iris have a long and fruitful life.

- Alan, London


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