An 11-year-old girl from Rugby has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer after her initial symptoms were mistaken for tonsillitis.
Armaie Burrows-Pitt began experiencing extreme tiredness and a loss of appetite while on a family holiday in Devon in May. Despite clear signs that something was wrong, GPs initially diagnosed her with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics, assuring her parents she was “perfectly fit and healthy.” However, Armaie’s condition worsened, prompting her mother, Nikki, to take her to Warwick Hospital where she insisted on further tests.
Medical staff ran additional examinations, considering possibilities such as sepsis, tuberculosis, or an infection possibly linked to a family trip to Egypt earlier in the year. After a 15-day stay at Warwick Hospital, Armaie was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma – an uncommon and fast-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting white blood cells.
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Armaie’s mother, Nikki, from Rugby, Warwickshire, described the ordeal: “We went to Devon at the end of May, and she was visibly deteriorating. She was tired and withdrawn, often isolating herself. On 31 May, my mum took her to Warwick A&E because she was unwilling to eat, walk, or talk.”
Despite repeated visits and reassurances that the illness was viral or tonsillitis, Nikki knew her daughter’s symptoms were more severe. “She’s usually active and full of energy, so it was hard to accept she was ‘fine’ when she wouldn’t get out of bed,” Nikki remarked.
Armaie also began experiencing pain in her shin and groin, which her mother initially thought might be related to a gymnastics injury. After refusing to leave the hospital without a blood test on 10 June, Armaie was admitted for observation. The initial diagnosis of infection was revised after comprehensive testing.
On 3 July, doctors confirmed that Armaie was suffering from Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma, which had spread to her spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive cancer that develops rapidly, especially in children. Early symptoms can mimic other illnesses, making it challenging to diagnose.
Nikki reflected on the frustration and emotional toll: “It was traumatic not knowing what was wrong for weeks, especially when each medical professional said she was fine. She had never been seriously ill before, so I knew something was wrong.”
The family has since started a fundraising campaign to support Armaie through six months of intensive chemotherapy and associated expenses. Her aunt, Emma Whyte, shared that despite the hardship, the experience has brought the family closer. “Our goal is to take Melly on special trips this year, including to Disneyworld Florida and Lapland, which had to be postponed. We also want to give back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House for the incredible care they’ve provided.”
As of now, the fundraising efforts have exceeded their initial £500 target, raising nearly £9,000 to assist the family.
The strength and resilience shown by Armaie and her family highlight the challenges of recognising rare illnesses early, emphasising the need for thorough medical assessment when symptoms persist or worsen.