Birmingham Hospital's Clinical Trial Saves Baby from Cancer, Now She Runs Marathons
At just four months old, Elizabeth Rees-Gilbert faced a devastating diagnosis that left her parents with little hope. Doctors at Birmingham Children's Hospital delivered the grim news that their baby was unlikely to survive to see her first birthday after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the nervous system.
A Bleak Outlook Turned Around by Medical Innovation
The medical team at Birmingham Children's Hospital, however, refused to accept this dire prognosis. They offered Elizabeth's parents an opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial that would prove to be life-saving. Elizabeth was treated with an experimental drug called Doxorubicin, which researchers believed held promise for combating childhood cancers.
"The prognosis was very poor when I was first diagnosed," Elizabeth explained. "Had it not been for the clinical trial available at Birmingham Children's Hospital I wouldn't have seen my first birthday."
Overcoming Additional Health Challenges
While the treatment successfully targeted the cancer, it came with significant side effects. Elizabeth's immune system was severely weakened, leading to a serious bout of pneumonia that required her to be placed on a ventilator. Despite this additional health crisis, she pulled through, earning her the nickname "the children's hospital baby who defied the odds."
"But although it was a very scary few years, I've been very fortunate to lead a healthy life since," she added.
From Patient to Athlete: An Inspiring Transformation
Elizabeth, who hails from Cannock, underwent regular check-ups at Birmingham Children's Hospital until she turned sixteen and continues to be monitored by specialists at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Now in her thirties, she has transformed from a critically ill infant into a fit and active adult who regularly participates in half marathons.
Her journey into running began with the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10K last year, an experience she enjoyed so much that she immediately signed up for this year's half marathon. "I loved every moment to the point where I felt I could've continued on so in a fit of post-run euphoria, I booked the half marathon on the train home," Elizabeth recalled.
Embracing New Challenges and Celebrating Life
Elizabeth completed her first half marathon in Wolverhampton last year and credits her running club for their unwavering support. "It's a tough distance, but I'm very well supported by my running club and it's a joy to see what my body's capable of," she said.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth has set her sights on the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow this year, hoping to complete the entire series of events. "I'd love to try the whole series as the atmosphere was just incredible in Birmingham last year," she shared.
On Sunday, May 3rd, Elizabeth will join thousands of other runners of all ages and abilities at the starting line of the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon in Centenary Square, a remarkable achievement for someone who once faced such uncertain odds.
