Rennie Maritz

I am blogging about this story; because I am devastated by it, and I am hoping that a lot of people will see it and will be able to assist this wonderful family and this special little boy.

We have dear friends; who were blessed with a little boy, Rennie, a year ago. Immediately, like most parents, they developed a strong and beautiful bond with their new son. He became their life and their everything. 


On the 23rd of August 2011, their lives came to a shattering halt. Rennie was rushed to the emergency ward with sudden and acute meningitis symptoms. On viewing a CAT scan, the doctors discovered a large amount of excess brain fluid caused by a blockage at the brain stem. He was rushed to the Neurosurgical ward at Glasgow's South General Hospital for immediate and life-saving brain surgery. The surgery was successful and a Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted into his head. This permanent shunt assists in draining excess brain fluid (bypassing the blockage) into the abdomen, where it is absorbed normally into his body. Whilst under anaeshetic, an MRI scan was performed to diagnose the cause of the blockage.


The blockage was caused by Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma (DIPG), a very rare brain tumour. This tumour can not be operated on, and because of his age Rennie could not receive the normal treatment of radiotherapy. The prognosis for the brain tumour is not very good - even for older children - and with standard treatment, the average survival rate is only 9 months!


As he was so young, the specialists had to come up with a personalised treatment regime. On the 14th October 2011, Rennie started chemotherapy. Doctors were not sure how he would react to the treatment, as it is incredibly harsh on such a small little person's system. He managed his chemotherapy treatments, even though he lost his appetite and was incredibly lethargic throughout. 


After many trips to the hospital and after receiving many treatments, the tumour on his brain is still growing bigger and bigger. He is battling to perform basic functions, such as swallowing and breathing. The hospital has helped to settle him at home now, with everything he needs to make his symptoms easier and making him more comfortable.

I cannot even begin to imagine this happening to my child. I don't think I would have the courage and incredible strength that John and Gillian have. It breaks my heart every time we are updated about the story and I cry for hours, for them and for their little boy.

If anyone can assist him in any way - please follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/RennieMaritzFund or contact me and I will pass on your details.