Join in quest to find a miracle cure for James (From Croydon Guardian)

Join in quest to find a miracle cure for James

9:53am Wednesday 3rd April 2002 in News By Joseph O'Shea

The family of eight-year-old West Croydon boy James Haddad has vowed never to give up fighting to find a cure for his illness, a rare and life-threatening brain condition.

Despite a negative prognosis from doctors following a six-week course of radiotherapy and supplementary treatments, his parents Robert and Sue continue to be fuelled by hope and their faith as devoted Christians.

They intend to use every resource they have to save their son's life, by doing their own research and developing contacts overseas and with others who have been affected by the same harrowing illness.

Since the diagnosis, every parent's worst nightmare, they have spent thousands of hours on the internet, looking for a "magic pill".

Close family friend Frank Fernando said: "At times it felt that we were telephoning every doctor on the planet who might offer us even the remotest hope of a cure.

"Robert and I went through an unimaginable learning curve exploring every pioneering technique available.

"Due to the poor prognosis we were willing to even consider new and untested, unproven drugs or medical procedures."

This entailed Robert giving up his IT job to give him time to care for James and to contact virtually as many specialist hospitals and universities as possible.

Robert is looking for a drug trial which may be willing to take on James, who has now returned to St Mary's RC Junior School.

The Haddads are currently in Lourdes, France, known as the "home of miracles", praying that one will be given to James.

Mr Fernando added: "The Haddad's struggle must serve as a remarkable example to other families stricken with the same dilemmas and who find themselves not knowing whom to turn for help."

Robert and Sue are relying on Croydon Guardian readers for their help as the only option may be treatment in the United States.