A Rangers youth player was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer after her mother noticed her eyelid starting to droop.
In November 2019, Morven Macdonald was taken to the optician after her mother, Cara, observed her then seven-year-old’s left eyelid drooping slightly. Initially, Cara suspected it might be a lazy eye. However, in January 2020, the young girl from Glasgow was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma.
Cara explained, “Within a few weeks, the drooping eyelid worsened, began to bulge outwards, and turned purple. Alarmed by the change, we pursued an MRI. A tumour was discovered, and after a biopsy, we received the terrifying news that it was cancer. The cancer was localized but required immediate treatment, including nine rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our world was turned upside down.
“In September 2020, after months of treatment, we were informed that the cancer had gone, and the treatment was successful. She is now almost three years cancer-free, and we can hardly believe it happened. All we can do is hope and pray she remains healthy.”
Morven, who dreams of playing football at the highest level, signed with the Rangers Academy and is on her way to achieving her goals of playing for Chelsea and winning five Ballon d’Ors by age 21.
During Sarcoma Awareness Month, the 11-year-old shares her story to inspire other children and young people battling cancer.
Morven said, “Being in the hospital doesn’t mean you have to stop. Whenever you get a chance, get out, stay fit, and do the things you want to do. You don’t need to see yourself as different from anyone else.”
Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting tissues of the body, such as bone, muscle, or cartilage. There are two main types: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. More than half of all soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in childhood are rhabdomyosarcoma.
Amar Naher, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said, “We are delighted to hear that Morven is thriving and are very grateful she is helping us raise awareness about sarcoma during Sarcoma Awareness Month.”