Scots girl, 10, excited to spend Christmas at home after emergency brain surgery

Scots Girl, 10, Looking Forward to Christmas at Home Following Emergency Brain Surgery

A Scottish schoolgirl, Ava Steel, aged 10, is eagerly anticipating spending Christmas at home with her family after undergoing emergency brain surgery. Ava had been battling a severe sinus infection that had spread to her brain back in May of this year. Following the infection’s escalation to a blood clot, she had to undergo surgery. Since then, Ava has been receiving treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she has spent the majority of the past eight months.

The ordeal began when Ava’s mother, Suzanne, noticed that Ava was unusually fatigued. Initially attributing it to excessive sun exposure at school, Suzanne grew concerned when Ava’s condition worsened significantly the following day. Ava woke up one morning with a swollen, red eye and a drooping face, prompting a visit to the family GP who suspected a stroke and referred her to the Royal Hospital for Children.

At the hospital, doctors discovered the severe sinus infection that had rapidly spread to Ava’s brain, causing confusion. The medical team immediately took action to provide relief by flushing out Ava’s sinuses, but her condition continued to deteriorate. Within 48 hours, a blood clot had formed due to the increased pressure in her brain, necessitating urgent brain surgery to remove the infection.

Despite the potential for a significant scar on her forehead from the surgery, Ava’s sisters reassured her that she would resemble her favourite movie character, Harry Potter, with the scar. To their relief, the surgery was successful, and Ava emerged with minimal scarring, her hair styled in French braids.

Following the surgery, Ava spent seven weeks in the hospital, facing challenges such as delayed allergic reactions to antibiotics that required additional treatment and hospital visits. Despite the setbacks, Ava’s resilience and the care she received at the hospital kept her and her family hopeful throughout the recovery process.

As Ava’s treatment nears its end, she is looking forward to celebrating Christmas at home with her family. In a touching letter to Santa, Ava selflessly wished for her sisters’ Christmas wishes to come true, embodying the spirit of the season with her kindness and gratitude.

Recently, Ava was honoured for her strength in a heartwarming event where she had the privilege of switching on the Christmas lights with Santa at the Royal Hospital for Children. Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones, especially during the holiday season.