Ava Steel was tired and quiet before waking up with a severely swollen red eye and a drooping face, raising alarm bells for her mum Suzanne and dad Andrew.
The 10-year-old, from Lenzie, was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children over fears she had a stroke, but it was discovered she had an infection.
Her condition continued to deteriorate over 48 hours and Neurosurgeon Dr. Roddy O’Kane ruled that brain surgery was necessary to properly clean out the infection.
Although this could leave a significant scar on her forehead, Ava’s sisters lovingly reassured her that she would look like Harry Potter, her favourite movie character.
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Suzanne said: “We were a mess waiting for Ava but as she exited surgery, there she was with no scar and her hair beautifully styled in French braids.
“Mr O’Kane advised that the procedure was a success and that he managed to enter along the hairline to leave minimal scarring.
“Then the nurses washed and pleated her hair. I thought the surgery had not happened when I saw her.
“We were overwhelmed by the number of experts ready to help our child. They wanted to ensure the best approach.”
Despite the successful surgery in May, Ava’s journey was far from over. She experienced delayed allergic reactions to antibiotics, requiring multiple rounds of treatment.
Ava has since been recovering which included a seven-week stay at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow (RHC), followed by months of outpatient treatment.
Yesterday, Ava’s resilience was celebrated in a heartwarming event where she was chosen by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to switch on the Christmas lights with Santa at the RHC.
This was a much-welcomed moment of joy for her parents, Suzanne and Andrew who also shared Ava’s medical journey and their highs and lows of the year.
As her treatment nears its end, she is incredibly excited about spending Christmas at home with her family.
This week, she wrote a heartfelt letter to Santa: “Have a Merry Christmas, Santa.
“Please, can I request one thing, for my whole family to have the same Merry Christmas and my sisters’ Christmas wishes to come true.
“Thank you, Santa. Love, Ava. XX”
