Poppy's symptoms masked serious brain tumor diagnosis

A toddler named Poppy Sinnott, now six, was diagnosed with a brain tumor after her unusual symptoms were ignored for months. When she was one year old, Poppy began to click her tongue, stare blankly, and faint. Doctors repeatedly told her parents, Katie and Colin, that it was likely just teething. As Poppy’s symptoms worsened, causing her to fall while walking, her mother grew more concerned. Katie insisted on further tests despite doctors' reassurances. Eventually, Poppy was admitted to the hospital, where an MRI revealed a shadow on her brain. Initial tests did not confirm whether it was a tumor or an infection, and Poppy was treated for potential meningitis or encephalitis. Later, a lumbar puncture and another MRI confirmed the presence of a ganglioglioma, which, while not cancerous, was causing Poppy up to 10 seizures a day. After extensive treatment, Poppy underwent an 11-hour surgery to remove the tumor. The operation was ultimately successful, and she quickly recovered, with no further seizures since then. Now, to celebrate her health and raise awareness, Katie is organizing a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The family hopes to help others facing similar challenges. Katie encourages parents to trust their instincts if they believe something is wrong with their children and to document any symptoms they observe. Brain Tumour Research highlighted the need for more funding, as brain tumors pose a serious risk to children. They stress that families like Poppy’s play a vital role in advocating for more research into these life-threatening conditions.