Northern Ireland

Fundraising campaign launched for 'brave' girl battling brain tumour

Kodi's friends and relatives have launched a crowdfunding campaign called 'Kodi's Krew' to help pay for the expensive treatment in Germany
Kodi's friends and relatives have launched a crowdfunding campaign called 'Kodi's Krew' to help pay for the expensive treatment in Germany Kodi's friends and relatives have launched a crowdfunding campaign called 'Kodi's Krew' to help pay for the expensive treatment in Germany

A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched for Kodi Brown (10) who is facing a six-month stay in a German clinic after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Kodi, from Killinchy, Co Down, is undergoing immunotherapy treatment in Frankfurt, as her family were told curative treatment is unavailable on the NHS – only palliative care.

Friends and relatives have launched a crowdfunding campaign called ‘Kodi’s Krew’ to pay for the expensive medical treatment and her family’s accommodation in Germany.

Each week of treatment costs €6,000, each MRI scan costs €950 and additionally her IV port cost €2,500.

The family’s life was turned upside down on February 10, when Kodi collapsed while at a friend’s house. After being rushed to the hospital, she was diagnosed with a viral infection and given antibiotics, anti-virals and anti-seizure medication.

After a three-week hospital stay Kodi returned home and, although still suffering from ‘silent seizures’, she appeared to be recovering well. However, after an MRI scan in May her family learned that she had been misdiagnosed and had a tumour on the brain.

Kodi has been in Germany for four weeks with her father Andy, mother Gemma, younger brother Blake and her grandparents.

Her father said: “She doesn’t complain. I’m back home for a couple of weeks, to get some more money together, and she sent me a text to say that she was looking forward to seeing me and getting back to her old life. 

“She’s so brave. Even the doctors have noticed and commented on it.

“None of the family complain. We’re all in Germany for just one reason and that’s for Kodi.”

A sponsored walk was held yesterday and plans are in place for other events including a cycle, movie nights and pub quizzes.

Mr Brown said he and his family are grateful for the community’s efforts.

“We’ve had so much support from friends and family,” he said.

“We’re just incredibly grateful and overwhelmed with all the help we have received. We couldn’t ask for people to do any more than they already have.”

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/kodiskrew.