Legends introducing Little

Friends, family and supporters, as you may already know on Monday March 16th 2020, Richie (Little) was diagnosed with cancer. On this day, our lives were changed forever and as a family we have been doing everything in our power to support him through his battle since. Richie (Little)  showed no symptoms until on the morning of March 16th he complained that he was short of breath. He was taken straight to the hospital because of this where he was later diagnosed.

We have created  Little's Legends so that we can share our journey, raise money for amazing charities that have helped us along the way and raise awareness for childhood cancer. 

Richie (Little) lives a very active lifestyle and before his diagnosis was involved in swimming, football and Cub Scouts on a weekly basis. Also, he loves his iPad, Minecraft, Roblox and YouTube; his favourite YouTuber is DanTDM. This site is for him because he loves technology! Little the Tech guy!

INFORMATION ABOUT RICHIE'S CANCER

WHAT ARE RHABDOMYOSARCOMA AND SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA?

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that develops from muscle cells (rhabdomyoblasts). It can arise from muscles in many different areas of the body. The most common sites are the head and neck, bladder, prostate gland, arms, legs, and vagina. Other less common sites are the chest, abdomen, and genital and anal area. Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for more than half of all soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in children. The term soft tissue sarcoma is generally used to refer to a cancer that arises from soft tissue other than muscle, such as connective tissue, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, nerves and joint membrane tissue. Soft tissues connect, support and surround other body parts and organs. Soft tissue sarcoma is rare in infants and children. The most common types are embryonal and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

WHAT CAUSES RHABDOMYOSAROMA AND SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA?

There is no answer at this time as to what causes rhabdomyosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. We do know,  however, that the tumours are not contagious and cannot be caught from another person. No behaviours or lifestyle habits, including those practised during pregnancy, have been associated with the development of these tumours. The cancer is not caused by the presence or absence of something (such as vegetables or vitamins ) in the child's diet.

WHO GETS RHABDOMYOSARCOMA OR SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA?

Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for approximately 4% of all childhood cancers diagnosed before the age of 15 years. Approximately 350 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma are diagnosed each year in the United States.

The majority of children are younger than 9 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Tumours of the bladder and vagina occur more often in infants and young children; tumours of the trunk, arms and legs are more likely to affect older children and adolescents. Rhabdomyosarcoma is more common in males.

Information sourced from the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses