An 11-year-old girl from Rugby is receiving treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Armaie Melody Burrows-Pitt, known as Melly, was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma on July 3, with the cancer found in her bone marrow, spleen, and liver, presenting as leukaemia.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
According to Cancer Research UK, Burkitt Lymphoma is a fast-growing type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a blood cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes. Melly's aunt, Emma Whyte, said the family initially thought the 11-year-old's symptoms—lethargy and a stiff neck—were growing pains. The pain later moved to her shin and persisted.
Despite multiple visits to the GP, Melly's condition worsened. Emma described her niece as 'rolling around in pain' at night. Her mother, Nikki Burrows, took her to the hospital three times, where concerns were dismissed as tonsillitis or a viral infection. Emma urged her sister to persist, and Melly was admitted to hospital on June 10, later transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Treatment and Impact
Melly has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy and is expected to remain in treatment for five to six more months. Emma said, 'She's doing really well now... but I think it's about to start ramping up a bit and getting a bit more aggressive.' The family has described the experience as 'soul destroying.'
Emma added, 'It's just very traumatic. For her, being in hospital for so long... seeing her, a fit and healthy child, depleted and having to have everything done for her is soul destroying.'
Community Support and Fundraising
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Melly's recovery and her dream of visiting Disneyland in Japan after treatment. Emma, a travel agent, said, 'She was googling last night about Disney in Japan. That's what the GoFundMe is for now. It's to get her on as many travels as she wants to next year.'
Melly is described as a 'social butterfly' and has been showered with love from supporters. Emma noted that connecting with other families in similar situations has helped: 'We keep saying it's the worst but best club to be in because nobody wants to be there, but once you are there... you realise you are not alone.'
