At a Glance
- Ava Ferguson, 9, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after complaining of back and leg pain.
- Doctors initially suspected post-viral reactive arthritis before blood tests revealed the cancer.
- She has started aggressive chemotherapy, lost most of her hair, and faces two years of treatment.
- Why it matters: The Scotland-based family from New Zealand has no local support and is raising funds for medical costs and a dream trip to Tokyo.
A 9-year-old Scottish girl is undergoing intensive cancer treatment after a surprise diagnosis that began with what her parents thought were growing pains.
Initial Symptoms and Hospital Visit
In December 2025, Ava Ferguson told her parents, Jamie and Sam, that her back and legs hurt. The pain became so severe that her mother was up every hour massaging her legs to give her relief, according to family friend Laura Gillespie.
The family took Ava to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People in Edinburgh. Doctors first suspected post-viral reactive arthritis, but blood tests ordered shortly before Christmas showed something far more serious.
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The tests revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-moving cancer of the blood cells that requires immediate treatment. The disease is most common in children under four, according to U.K. charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
“It’s brutal, and it’s very intense,” Gillespie told News Of Los Angeles.
Treatment Begins
Ava started chemotherapy right away. The aggressive protocol has already caused dramatic side effects.
- Most of her hair has fallen out.
- She feels very tired and ill.
- Treatment is expected to last at least two years.
The 9-year-old has also undergone surgery to harvest bone marrow and is awaiting a blood transfusion.
Fundraising for Medical Costs and Dream Trip
Gillespie launched a GoFundMe to help the family with mounting expenses. The campaign has raised over $1,000 toward a $3,355 goal.
Funds will cover:
- Medical costs not handled by the National Health Service
- Travel for treatment
- A potential trip to the Capybara Cafe in Tokyo, Ava’s dream destination
“She loves sushi,” Gillespie said. “If they were heading to New Zealand, they could sort of hop up.”
Family Struggles with Isolation
Ava’s parents moved from New Zealand to Scotland and have no relatives nearby to help. The diagnosis has upended every part of their lives.
“This diagnosis impacts not only Ava’s health but the quality of time she can spend with her mum, dad and especially her little sister Zoe,” Gillespie wrote on the fundraiser page.
Sam has tried to manage Ava’s expectations about the Tokyo trip, explaining that she needs a clean bill of health first.
“It’s an awful, difficult situation – and it’s really difficult for us to wrap our heads around really,” Gillespie said.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action saved time: Blood tests ordered after pain complaints led to a swift cancer diagnosis.
- Treatment is long-term: Ava faces at least two years of chemotherapy and procedures.
- Community support matters: Friends stepped in to raise funds and support an isolated family.
The fundraiser remains active as Ava continues her treatment journey.
