A NERVE WRACKING wait is over for the Forres toddler who has touched the hearts of people from throughout Scotland.
Three-year-old Eileidh Paterson sparked a nationwide effort to raise the £100,000 required to send her for potentially life-saving treatment at a clinic in the United States.
If she could receive that treatment, however, always depended on the results of her latest round of treatment for Neuroblastoma – with her family admitting last night that it had been a torturous time awaiting results.
That finally came to an end this week when Eileidh’s mum Gail was given the fantastic news that her daughter was free of the cancer – and so was able to receive the pioneering treatment in Michigan that would greatly decrease the chances of a relapse.
The fundraising effort for Eileidh only began in April with the daunting target not only reached but overtaken thanks to the astonishing reaction by people throughout Moray and beyond.
It was an effort that by earlier this month had reached £125,000 – but the funds could only be used for Eileidh if she was clear of the cancer and so able to become part of the preventative drug trial.
After learning the news that Eileidh would be able to go to Michigan, Gail said: “We went through all Eileidh’s results and every one of them was clear – is was the best possible outcome.
“I am so chuffed but it is surreal to think we will actually be going to Michigan – I won’t believe that until we are on the plane. Eileidh is very excited about the trip and keeps telling everyone she is going on a big plane.”
Mrs Paterson added that here phone has not stopped ringing since the family received the news.
Eileidh now faces another daunting challenge as she will need to make eight trips to the United States over the next two years, with week-long treatment spells required every three months.
The trials she is taking part in will not be available in the UK until 2016 – for Eileidh it was vital that she started now, Gail saying: “The trial will give her an extra chance and we have been told it produces very encouraging results.”