A YOUNGSTER who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer is to jet off to America to get a vital vaccination. 

Rebecca McKenna, from Erskine, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2018 and has battled through a year and a half of treatment.

This has included surgery, a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and radiotherapy while her parents, Chris and Victoria, have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to cover the medical costs. 

READ MORE: Joy for brave Rebecca McKenna after youngster is given all-clear

The pair told of their joy as they revealed earlier this month that four-year-old Rebecca had passed three end-of-treatment scans, which is incredibly rare as the cancer is extremely aggressive and can reappear at any time.

And she reached a landmark in her recovery on Monday when she had surgery to remove the Hickman line from her chest. 

The line had been used for the administration of chemotherapy and the withdrawal of blood and had been attached for 16 months. 

Chris told The Gazette the removal means Rebecca is now able to live life like a “normal” four-year-old.

The Gazette: Rebecca was all smiles on the latest picture posted by Chris and Victoria Rebecca was all smiles on the latest picture posted by Chris and Victoria

“She has been out on her cousin’s trampoline,” Chris said. “It’s something she hasn’t been able to do for 16 months.

“It is just absolutely brilliant to have my daughter back again but we are not ignorant and know there is a high chance it could return.

“There have been times when she has really struggled, especially during her stem cell treatment, and that was the hardest thing for me as a father to see.

“But it is so great now being able to see her acting like a typical wee girl.” 

Rebecca will travel to New York on Sunday to receive a special vaccine – one that isn’t available on the NHS and is believed to help decrease the chance of a relapse.

READ MORE: New treatment offers fresh hope in brave Erskine tot's cancer battle

She has had to be cancer free for 120 days to qualify for the drug and her parents have raised £240,000 to pay for the treatment via their RaiseForRebecca campaign. 

There's even more good news as Chris revealed Rebecca will start at Barsail Primary School, in Erskine, after the summer. 

Chris said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for all of their support and they have given our daughter the chance of a life. Rebecca has just been fantastic and is just our little girl.

“If this treatment gives her another one per cent chance then it will be worth it.” 

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