In a devastating turn of events, seven-year-old Aubrey Rothery has been diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma (DIPG), a rare brain tumor that affects about 20 to 30 children in the UK each year. The tumor, which grows in the midline between the two halves of the brain, has a grim prognosis, with the majority of sufferers succumbing to the disease within a year.

Aubrey's parents, Andrew, 54, and Samantha, 51, initially dismissed their son's balance issues and frequent accidents as the result of a growth spurt. However, as the mishaps persisted, they decided to seek medical help to find the underlying cause. A recent MRI scan revealed the presence of the tumor, leaving the family devastated.

DIPG primarily affects children between the ages of five and 10 and often leads to problems with walking, coordination, and balance. With an average survival rate of just eight to 11 months, and only 2% of patients living beyond five years after diagnosis, the Rothery family understands the difficult road ahead.

Aubrey is currently undergoing treatment at Bristol Children's Hospital, where he is receiving targeted radiotherapy to combat the tumor. His parents, both determined to remain positive, are researching potential clinical trials and fundraising efforts to find possible treatments for their beloved son.

While the prognosis for DIPG remains bleak, the Rothery family believes that hope and positivity are crucial in the fight against cancer. They are rallying support from family, friends, and the wider community to create a sense of positivity and love surrounding Aubrey.

Researchers are still striving to understand the causes of DIPG, a challenging task due to its location within the brain and the difficulty in distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue. Currently, radiotherapy is the standard treatment option, as surgery is usually impossible.

The Rothery family hopes to raise awareness about this devastating disease and the urgent need for research and improved treatment options. They have already raised over £10,000 towards their target of £25,000, which will contribute to finding potential clinical trials for Aubrey. However, eligibility for these trials may require a biopsy, presenting additional challenges due to the tumor's location and its resemblance to healthy tissue.

As Aubrey battles this rare brain tumor, his parents remain hopeful, driven by the power of love and the support of their community. With their unwavering positivity, they seek to bring attention to DIPG and ensure that future patients have a fighting chance at survival.

Note: The information provided is based on the text provided by the user, and no additional external research has been conducted.