6-Year-Old Boy Dies After His Weight Doubled in 16 Months Due To Brain Tumor

6-year-old boy dies after his weight doubled in 16 months, leaving his family and community devastated. Luke Poga, a young boy from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, was once a lively and energetic child before his life took an unexpected turn.

His mother, Sam, initially attributed his rapid weight gain to a lack of physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, when his body shape continued changing dramatically, she knew something was wrong.

A Mysterious Weight Gain

Luke had always been a slight child, and his sudden weight gain shocked his family and friends. As schools reopened in July 2021, parents and teachers noticed that Luke looked very different.

Sam became increasingly worried as her son, just six years old, was already wearing clothes meant for 11-to-12-year-olds. She was concerned enough to seek advice from a nutritionist, believing that diet and lifestyle might be the cause.

However, Luke also started complaining about sore eyes, and he frequently rubbed them. Sam took him to Tesco Opticians, which eventually led to a referral to Barnet Hospital’s ophthalmology department.

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This step changed everything, as an MRI scan revealed the devastating truth—Luke had an inoperable high-grade glioma, an aggressive brain tumor that would ultimately claim his life.

The Heartbreaking Diagnosis and Treatment

When doctors diagnosed Luke, his mother felt numb. The tumor was large and diffused, making it impossible to remove through surgery. Instead, Luke underwent a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The treatments caused him to lose the excess weight, but his eyesight remained intact, allowing the family to cherish precious moments together while still navigating medical appointments.

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Despite the severity of the disease, Luke continued to fight. His resilience amazed those around him, and his family found solace in the support of their community. His school, Summerswood Primary, played a significant role in supporting Luke and his family during his battle with cancer.

However, as 2024 began, doctors informed Sam that Luke’s condition was terminal. Even though he was expected to have only a few months left, Luke defied expectations and fought on longer than anyone anticipated. His warrior spirit was evident, but sadly, the cancer was too aggressive. Luke passed away at Watford General Hospital on August 26, 2024, at just nine years old.

A Community in Mourning and Action

Luke’s passing left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His school community was further shaken when, just a few months later, in December, a 10-year-old girl from the same school also succumbed to a brain tumor. The devastating losses pushed the school community into action, determined to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research.

Inspired by Luke and his classmate, more than 300 students and staff from Summerswood Primary School committed to walking 10,000 steps every day throughout February to raise money for Brain Tumor Research. Sam also joined the challenge, determined to help find a cure for brain tumors.

“Until you experience it, you don’t know how devastating brain tumors are,” Sam said. She was particularly shocked to learn that brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet only 1% of the national cancer research funding has been allocated to them since 2002.

The walking challenge has provided a meaningful way for the school community to honor Luke’s memory while contributing to a cause that could one day prevent other families from going through the same heartbreak.

Dr. Karen Noble, Director of Research, Policy, and Innovation at Brain Tumor Research, highlighted the complexity of brain tumors. “Signs and symptoms of a brain tumor are as complex as the brain itself. They can differ from patient to patient and be anything from headaches to a change in personality. In Luke’s case, his change in body shape was a rare but significant symptom,” she explained.

Dr. Noble emphasized the urgent need for more research funding to improve early detection and treatment options. “The greater understanding of how tumors develop, how they are detected, and better treatment access will only be achieved with increased investment in research,” she added.

The tragedy of Luke’s death underscores the importance of awareness about brain tumor symptoms. While symptoms like headaches, nausea, and seizures are more commonly associated with brain tumors, Luke’s case shows that unexplained physical changes, such as rapid weight gain, can also be an early warning sign.

Luke’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability of pediatric cancer. Despite advancements in medical science, high-grade gliomas remain among the most challenging brain tumors to treat. For parents, the message is clear: any unusual or persistent changes in a child’s health should be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

For Sam, the loss of her son is a pain that words cannot fully describe. However, she finds strength in the love and support of her family and community. She hopes that sharing Luke’s story will not only honor his memory but also contribute to raising awareness about brain tumors, leading to better research, early detection, and more effective treatments.

The walking challenge has brought together parents, teachers, and students in a shared mission to fight brain cancer. While no amount of fundraising can bring Luke back, it can help ensure that future children diagnosed with brain tumors have a better chance of survival.

The commitment of the Summerswood Primary School community to raising funds for Brain Tumor Research is a testament to the deep impact Luke had on those around him.

Luke’s journey, from an energetic six-year-old to a brave nine-year-old fighting for his life, is one that touched many hearts. His story highlights the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and continued research in the fight against childhood brain tumors.

As his school and family walk in his honor, they carry forward his legacy, determined to make a difference in the lives of future children facing the same battle.