Family Plea to Save Girl’s Disney Trip After Brain Tumor

Family s plea to save dream – Family’s plea to save their dream Disney trip has been sparked by Sienna, a six-year-old from Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, who lost her sight just weeks after securing tickets to Walt Disney World in Florida due to a brain tumour. Her parents, Emma Louise Lloyd and her partner, are now scrambling to afford the trip as insurance costs have risen dramatically. The once-anticipated journey, which was originally priced at £232 for five family members, now requires an additional £5,083 policy for Sienna alone to cover her medical needs during the adventure. A fundraising campaign has been launched to bridge the financial gap, with £3,800 already collected to help make the dream a reality.

A Christmas Miracle Turned Uncertain

The family’s excitement reached a peak on Christmas Day, when Sienna and her sister Amelia, 12, along with their six cousins, were surprised by a letter from Mickey Mouse. The message announced their ticket to Disney World, sparking joy and celebration among the children. “It was the last surprise,” Emma recalled, describing the moment as “magical” and full of laughter. But just five weeks later, the family’s hopes were shaken when Sienna began holding her tablet close to her face, a subtle sign that something was wrong. Emma quickly arranged a scheduled check-up, which revealed swelling in her daughter’s optic nerve. By 9 February, a brain scan confirmed the diagnosis of a grade 1 glioma—a slow-growing, low-grade tumor that could not be surgically removed.

“I just couldn’t believe it, she’d been so excited and I just couldn’t do it to her,” said Emma, reflecting on the emotional toll of the news.

The tumor, located in Sienna’s brain, caused her to lose her eyesight. Despite this, her family remains optimistic, hoping she may regain some vision in the future. “She’s been unbelievable,” Emma added, turning to her daughter on the sofa. “You’re my little star, aren’t you.” The children’s hospital in Cardiff, Noah’s Ark, became the family’s temporary home as Sienna underwent an emergency shunt insertion and a major operation. She spent three weeks in intensive care before being discharged, a period marked by both physical and emotional strain for the entire family.

Insurance Challenges and Financial Strain

Amid the medical challenges, the family faced another hurdle: their travel insurance was voided due to Sienna’s condition. “We didn’t come home for about three weeks,” Emma explained, highlighting the whirlwind of procedures and treatments that followed the diagnosis. GreatCover, the original insurer, informed them that their policy would no longer cover the trip because of Sienna’s brain tumor. However, they were still insured for cancellation, which meant the family could still proceed with the plans, provided they found a new policy. This search led to a specialist insurance provider, which offered coverage but at a significantly higher cost.

The family’s financial burden has grown as the trip, originally booked for late October, now requires an additional £5,083 for Sienna’s care. Emma noted the emotional weight of this decision, especially after her daughter’s excitement was overshadowed by the reality of her condition. “It’s been a crazy few weeks,” she said, describing the rapid sequence of events: surgery, chemotherapy, and the uncertainty of whether Sienna would be able to enjoy the experience at all. The glioma, though slow-growing, has left her blind, and the family is determined to make the most of the trip despite this setback.

The Disney itinerary is described as “jam packed” with activities designed to create unforgettable memories. Among the planned experiences are meeting princesses, feeding dolphins, and other classic attractions that Sienna had eagerly anticipated. The fundraiser, which has gained traction, aims to cover the cost of the trip while also supporting Sienna’s ongoing treatment. Any remaining funds will be donated to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodation for families of patients. The campaign’s progress has been a source of comfort, with the family expressing gratitude for the community’s support.

Emma’s sister, Jessica Gill, played a key role in identifying the insurance issue and connecting the family with a specialist policy. The new coverage allows the trip to proceed, but the added expense has tested their financial resources. The original insurance, which cost £232, now feels like a fraction of what is needed to ensure Sienna’s safety during her travels. Doctors at Prince Charles Hospital confirmed that the tumor, though not removable, is manageable with an 18-month course of chemotherapy. The family is now focused on making the most of this trip, which has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.