A WREXHAM girl is celebrating her fourth birthday a year to the day since her brain tumour diagnoses.
On May 4, 2021, Aria Hodgkiss, from Rhostyllen, was tragically diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) - a tumour in her brain stem - on the day of her third birthday.
Her family was given the devastating prognosis that Aria will likely live between just nine and 12 months from diagnosis - with the tumour being inoperable.
But they quickly set about finding alternative forms of treatment - and heard about the new ONC201 drug.
It is thought to kill certain cancerous cells and Aria is currently in receipt of it as part of a clinical trial based out of Germany.
Over the last several months, Aria has made huge strides - learning to walk again and attending school for the first time. At the weekend, she even managed to walk the whole way around Chester Zoo.
READ MORE: Joyous news for little Aria and family as DIPG tumour shrinks in size
And today, (May 4), she celebrates her fourth birthday - something her mum, Mel, thought would never happen.
She said: "This last year has been a rollercoaster. To think that this time last year we were told to go home and make memories. That Aria would only live 9-12 months.
"Today, we celebrate her fourth birthday. Honestly, we never thought she would make it to Christmas 2021, so to see her celebrate her fourth birthday is amazing."
Aria has her latest MRI scan later this week to see how the tumour is progressing.
Mel said: "I have days where I feel that the tumour has progressed and we won't get the news we hope when she has her MRI at the end of the week.
"But, we have a plan - that's the main thing. As long as Aria gets up every morning and she is ok, then we all carry on and be ok. As long as she is happy and laughing then we carry on for her."
READ MORE: Event raises over £5,000 for little Aria's battle with brain tumour
Aria is on various amounts of medication, the main one being ONC201, which Mel believes has helped her carry on being her "happy cheeky self".
"If we see progression on her MRI there are other options, but it means raising a lot more funds," she said.
"We couldn't have done what we have done for Aria without everyone's help. Everyone has been amazing.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has and is helping Aria. You are all amazing. Thank you/Diolch."
To help Aria's family continue funding the treatment, you can donate to it at shorturl.at/iEIQ8
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