Levin Mother Faces Christmas Uncertainty as Baby Recovers from Surgery

A mother from Levin is grappling with emotional turmoil as her infant son recovers from brain tumour surgery in Auckland, leaving the festive season overshadowed by uncertainty. Emma McComb, who has returned to Levin to care for her two older children, is facing a challenging balance between her family’s needs while her youngest child, Declan, remains at Starship Hospital following surgery last Monday.

The emotional weight of being apart from Declan has taken a toll on McComb, who expressed her distress, stating, “I’ve been crying every night, and I can’t sleep.” With Declan’s cot empty, she finds solace on the couch rather than in her bedroom. His father, Jay Fish, remains in Auckland to support their son during this difficult time.

The family is navigating additional challenges. McComb’s eldest son, Tyler, aged nine, has special needs due to a stroke he suffered when he was just one day old. “I’m torn between two kids that both need me,” McComb shared, reflecting the strain of her current situation.

Since doctors discovered a tumour in Declan’s brain in October, the family has been frequently traveling between Palmerston North, Wellington, and Auckland for treatment and tests. Declan received a round of chemotherapy in November, which has further complicated their daily lives. “I’m looking at the Christmas tree, and I haven’t started shopping,” McComb noted, indicating the prioritization of health over holiday festivities.

On December 9, 2023, an MRI scan revealed that the tumour had grown, prompting the family to return to Auckland. Declan subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumour. McComb reported that her son is now recovering well, displaying a cheerful demeanor despite the large scar from surgery. “Declan has a massive scar, but is ‘laughing away, chatting away,” she said.

McComb expressed gratitude for the care provided by the hospital staff, emphasizing their compassion. “The nurses there treat him like he’s their own. He’s a very special boy, and he’s touched so many hearts,” she remarked.

Declan’s tumour has been diagnosed as a choroid plexus papilloma. Remarkably, McComb noted, “He doesn’t act sick; you wouldn’t think anything was wrong.” She hopes that he will be allowed home for a brief period over Christmas before beginning another round of chemotherapy in January. “Just to have a bit of a break from the hospital and a bit of normality,” she stated.

As the Christmas season approaches, McComb reflects on the true meaning of the holidays, saying, “Presents mean nothing… what’s more important than having healthy kids?” She further expressed her desire to swap places with Declan, wishing for his health above all else. “All I want is for my baby to be healthy and home, and for none of this to be happening,” she said.

To support the family during this challenging time, a friend has set up a Givealittle page to help cover ongoing travel and accommodation costs as Declan continues his treatment. McComb remains determined, stating, “You’ve got to keep going; I owe it to my baby, I owe it to my other kids.”