MANAYER HOPE FOUNDATION
Our foundation focuses on raising awareness about hydrocephalus and brain cancer, especially Medulloblastoma, in young children. We aim to collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance early detection and screening. We aim to provide education, advocacy, and emotional support to empower young mothers and families.
What is Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor that develops specifically in the back area of the brain.
Around 52 children are diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year in the UK. Adults can also get this type of tumour, but it is rare.
Medulloblastoma is likely to grow quickly and can spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord. Around 30 out of 100 children (around 30%) have medulloblastoma that has spread when they are first diagnosed.
Recently, research has been able to identify new types and subtypes of medulloblastoma.
What is hydrocephallus?
Symptoms of Hydrocephallus & Medulloblastoma
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within and/or around the brain, which can cause pressure to increase in the skull. Symptoms may vary according to age. Headaches and double vision are common symptoms
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headaches in the morning
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feeling or being sick – being sick often makes the headaches feel better
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double vision
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finding it hard to sit or stand unsupported – your child might often fall backwards
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being more fractious or irritable – it might be taking longer than usual to get your young child to settle
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loss of appetite
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behaviour changes – they might be interacting with you or their siblings less
During a young infant’s routine development check up, symptoms sometimes picked up are:
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an increasing head size (head circumference)
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a swollen soft spot on top of the skull (fontanelle)
Our key focus is raising awareness on Medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer that mainly affects children. We also aim to raise awareness about related conditions such as Hydrocephalus.
We work to:
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Share early signs and symptoms in simple, accessible language
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Encourage families to seek medical advice early
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Support GPs and health professionals with awareness resources
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Help families navigate referrals and hospital appointments
Key Goals
Awareness & Education
Create materials about early symptoms of Medulloblastoma and other childhood cancers
Partner with Gp to put a system in place to run tests after concerns being raised by a parent and to be taken seriously
Partner with Hospitals pediatricians and schools to distribute information on Brain Cancer
Partner with Hospitals to support young mothers with children admitted into hospital.
Raise awareness and partner up with first line support staff such as health visitors midwifes social workers.
Supporting young mothers
We aim to Support Single Young Mothers
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Emotional support for mothers of children under investigation or admitted to hospital
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Advocacy to ensure mothers’ health concerns about their children are heard and acted upon
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Guidance on navigating GP visits, referrals and hospital systems
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Peer support and community spaces to reduce isolation
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Long‑term vision to host “first night of loss” support for grieving mothers, with extended backup care where possible.
CHARITY LAUNCH EVENT
SUPPORT
Your contributions to the foundation will be highly appreciated