by Adam Williams

Canterbury toddler Stella Rogers is back home with family and friends after undergoing weeks of life-saving cancer treatment in the United States.

The two-year-old, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in June last year, is due to return to a specialist children’s hospital in Philadelphia at the end of the month, remaining there until mid-August.

After responding well to her initial antibody treatment, she is spending three weeks at home in Glen Iris Close, with parents Allison Hyde and John Rogers and sister Zoe, four.

Stella took another big step towards her recovery last Sunday when she attended a birthday party for friend Yasmin Gledstone-Baldock at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Faversham. It was her first opportunity to play with other children since her immune system was attacked by the cancer.

Allison explained why they have decided to come home now.

She said: “This next part of her treatment can be done from home. The doctors have taught me how to administer oral chemotherapy and daily injections for her, so we decided it would be good to come back and see people and just relax at home.

“It’s been a huge culture shock living in Philadelphia.

“Life in the US was either sitting in a hospital waiting room for hours on end or being based at the Ronald McDonald House, which is the accommodation provided by the hospital for us."

Doctors have told Allison and John that Stella now has an excellent chance of survival. The cost of her treatment is now expected to be lower than the originally estimated £250,000.

But the family are still busy fundraising, holding various events around east Kent.

To donate to the appeal, visitwww.forstella.orgor send cheques, made payable to the 2Simple Trust, to 3-4 Sentinel Square, Brent Street, London NW4 2EL.

Read more on Stella's recovery and ongoing appeal in this week's Kentish Gazette.