At a Glance
- A 2-year-old boy turned blue during bath time, leading to a stage 4 cancer diagnosis
- Charlie Shilleto has metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer
- He is on his second round of chemotherapy after tumors collapsed his lung
- Why it matters: Early recognition of unusual symptoms saved Charlie’s life and highlights the aggressive nature of childhood cancers
A routine bath turned into a life-altering moment for Louisa Shilleto when she saw her 2-year-old son Charlie’s chest turning an alarming shade of blue. The December 2025 discovery prompted a hospital visit that uncovered multiple tumors and led to a rare stage four cancer diagnosis.
Blue Skin Sparks Urgent Hospital Visit
Louisa first noticed deep blue veins across Charlie’s torso while he played in the tub. She scanned his body and found a large, sudden lump under his arm. The family rushed him to Hull Royal Infirmary the same day.
By the next morning doctors had located another mass on Charlie’s neck. Imaging revealed an aggressive tumor occupying most of the left side of his chest. The mass had metastasized to lymph nodes in the armpit and neck, causing his lung to collapse.
Charlie was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary for specialized care.
Rare Diagnosis Confirmed
On December 17, 2025, doctors confirmed metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft-tissue sarcoma that develops in skeletal muscle. Between 400 and 500 people in the United States receive this diagnosis each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It primarily affects children and teens.
Charlie’s aunt, Alysha Curtis, detailed the extent of the disease on the family’s GoFundMe page:
- Primary tumor filled most of the left chest cavity
- Metastasis to nearby lymph nodes
- Tumor erosion created a hole in the left lung
- Lung collapse required emergency intervention
Immediate Chemotherapy Underway
Charlie began chemotherapy within days of diagnosis and is now in his second cycle. Louisa told local media the drugs are working but come with harsh side effects:
- Severe nausea and mouth ulcers
- Nerve damage affecting his ability to walk
- Noticeable weight loss and pale skin
- Yet he remains energetic and resilient
“Because he’s so young, he just cracks on,” Louisa said.
Family Grateful for Community Support
A GoFundMe campaign launched to offset travel, lodging, and medical expenses has nearly reached its $27,000 goal. Louisa said the outpouring has lifted an enormous burden:
“We never expected it to take off like it has – we’re quite overwhelmed. The immediate lift in pressure is incredible.”
Key Takeaways
- Unexplained skin discoloration can signal serious underlying issues
- Metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is fast-moving but treatable when caught early
- Charlie’s response to chemotherapy offers hope, though the regimen is physically demanding
- Community fundraising is helping the Shilleto family stay by Charlie’s side throughout treatment
