A twin has spoken of her heartbreak after her sister’s symptoms, initially thought to be the flu, actually turned out to be a rare amd terminal cancer.
Kym Snape was heartbroken to learn that her “other half”, Emma Snape, both aged 34, had epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), an incurable disease. Emma first showed signs of the illness, which originates from blood vessel cells, with flu-like symptoms in February.
However, a hospital visit later attributed her condition to severe pneumonia. Astonishingly, further tests later confirmed she had EHE, a condition so rare it affects only one in a million people globally each year.
Mum-of-two Kym, who is fundraising for research into a cure, shared that accepting her twin sister’s prognosis was incredibly tough due to their deep connection. She said: “[It’s been] heartbreaking to watch her go through this. It’s technically a terminal diagnosis as there’s no cure for it. It’s been the hardest year. With her being my twin, it’s been so hard for me not being able to control this situation and make her better as she is literally my other half.”
Mum of two Emma thanked Kym for her unwavering support during her time of need – calling her “the real superwoman”. She added: “I don’t know what I’d have done without Kym. From day one after getting my diagnosis she’s been full into research, fundraising, gathering all sorts of different contacts to help me, whilst having her own young family to care for.
“She’s the real superwoman. It’s been so wonderfully overwhelming how generous and kind people have been, everyone just wants to help, my work, small businesses, family and friends. People really have come together for me.”
EHE cancer can occur anywhere in the body, with the most common sites being the liver, lungs and bones. It’s often found in those who are aged between the ages of 30 and 50 but can also occur in young children and older people.
When Emma was diagnosed, doctors found 20 nodules in her lungs and more in her omentum – the fatty tissue that starts in your stomach and goes over your intestines. Since her symptoms began, she has been in and out of hospital.
Kym said: “Some days she is fine and others she will wake up in agony. She’s on a lot of pain relief and anti-sickness drugs. She’s fighting against this disease every day whilst remaining the world’s best mummy to her two boys and partner.”
Kym has set up a donation page to raise money for the EHE Rare Cancer Charity (EHERCC), which is working hard to find a cure. She has so far gained over £6,000 from big-hearted locals and will take on a sponsored run in November to help pull in further cash.
Kym, of Leyland, Lancs said: “I have taken control in the only way possible which is to learn about this disease and to raise money for critical research to take place in the hope of finding a cure.”
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/find-a-cure-for-epithelioid-hemangioendothelioma-ehe to donate to the fundraiser.