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Freddie HuntLittle Briton whose hypothalamic obesity developed after removal of a brain tumor
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- A Difficult Journey
- A Desperate Plea for Help
- A Brave Boy with a Sensitive Soul
- A Diagnosis and a Journey for Treatment
- A Community's Support
- The Battle with Hypothalamic Obesity
Freddie Hunt: A Brave Fighter Against Brain Tumor and Hypothalamic Obesity
Freddie Hunt, a three-year-old British boy, has been battling a life-threatening brain tumor, which has led to uncontrollable weight gain. Currently, Freddie, who once again finds himself at the edge, is rapidly approaching a weight of 40 kg. Despite successfully overcoming a dangerous brain tumor, Freddie still faces a deadly threat. He is at risk of losing his life due to the uncontrolled weight gain caused by hypothalamic obesity.
A Difficult Journey
Freddie, a resident of Yateley, Hampshire, developed hypothalamic obesity after an invasive surgery to remove 90% of a fist-sized tumor from his brain. It is believed that the tumor damaged an important nerve in the young patient. The innovative procedure took place in the United States after the NHS in the UK refused to operate on Freddie, citing high risks. Just 20 days after the tumor removal, Freddie's abdomen began to swell. Currently, the British boy has lost the ability to move independently and cannot even sit without assistance. In just six months, Freddie has gained over 19 kg. Heartbreaking images show the impact of the only available treatment on the young boy: Freddie lost vision in one eye, leads a sedentary lifestyle, and feels unhappy.
A Desperate Plea for Help
Informed that the fat deposits in Freddie's body are already negatively affecting his liver and heart, his parents desperately seek assistance. His mother, Ebbie Hunt, stated, "We need to do something because the next year might not come for our son." She added, "We have no other options. Even if the necessary medications for him are unregistered, we will still try because Freddie cannot survive without them." She further explained the devastating impact of obesity on such a young child, saying, "It is a catastrophe for him. He is too young to cope with such a body." Ebbie Hunt expressed the immense difficulties they face, stating, "When you are exhausted, depleted, and devastated, it is very difficult to keep fighting to save your child's life."
A Brave Boy with a Sensitive Soul
Freddie flinches and breaks into tears at the slightest touch due to his extremely sensitive skin. When asked how he feels, the boy usually smiles and shyly replies, "Thank you, I'm good." He adores playing with his toy, Peppa Pig, and his sister, Holly. However, whenever the family ventures into town, they are met with comments from strangers regarding Freddie's weight.
A Diagnosis and a Journey for Treatment
When Freddie gained 1.3 kg in a month, his parents took him to the local hospital for a check-up. They were certain that Freddie would receive some medications that would be the final chord in his difficult battle against brain tumor. However, during the consultation, it became apparent from the doctor's dismayed expression that things were not so simple. The parents discovered that their son had developed hypothalamic obesity when a nerve controlling metabolism throughout the body was damaged in his brain. The tumor was diagnosed on September 22, 2016, when Freddie was hospitalized due to epileptic seizures. During that challenging period, the young British boy could experience up to 80 seizures per day. Brain scans revealed a fist-sized tumor deeply embedded in the tissue. British doctors were unable to offer a solution and suggested seeking help at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Arizona.
A Community's Support
Thanks to their active presence on Facebook, Freddie's parents managed to raise £450,000, which was necessary for proton therapy. Approximately £225,000 was raised through the sale of sweatshirts with Freddie's name printed on them and online sales of blue heart-shaped pendants. Ebbie Hunt stated, "Our son has been incredibly strong. Honestly, he is now our source of inspiration because he manages to hold onto joy and not complain." She also emphasized their resilience, saying, "None of us show weakness, none of us complain, despite our situation, because we understand how difficult it is for Freddie. Now he can't walk." Describing a touching moment after surgery, Ebbie recalled, "When I finally got to speak to him, I asked, 'How are you?' and he replied, 'I'm okay,' and then added, 'How are you? May God grant you good health.'"
The Battle with Hypothalamic Obesity
Hypothalamic obesity is observed in some individuals who have successfully fought against brain tumors, especially in children whose tumors were detected at an early age. It is estimated that around one-third of survivors of craniopharyngioma, a congenital tumor of the brain, develop severe obesity. Weight gain often occurs rapidly within the first month after surgery, but it may take up to three months to detect other health problems. Those affected by hypothalamic obesity typically consume fewer calories than those with "natural" obesity. According to available data, there are approximately 2,000 people in the United States with hypothalamic obesity.
