A one-year-old boy named Otto Acreman was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer after doctors initially mistook his symptoms for a common cold. Otto began experiencing breathing difficulties and weight gain issues in early 2025. Concerned, his parents, Sophie Reddaway, 25, and Paul Acreman, 27, took him to the doctor for a check-up. Despite multiple visits, the doctors reassured them that Otto just had a cold.
However, when Otto’s aunt, Charlotte, noticed a lump on his neck at a family gathering, medical professionals started suspecting a more serious underlying condition. Following various tests, including ultrasounds, biopsies, blood tests, and CT scans, Otto was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in August 2025. Since then, he has bravely undergone four rounds of chemotherapy and a blood transfusion.
Currently, Otto is undergoing scans to monitor his progress, and his family is anxiously awaiting news on whether further treatment will be necessary. Paul, Otto’s father, shared that they began noticing something was wrong around four months after Otto’s symptoms started. Despite their concerns, initial medical assessments dismissed it as a common issue for a baby of his age.
Sophie, Otto’s mother, who previously worked as a care support worker, had early suspicions about his health, which were validated when Charlotte discovered the lump on Otto’s neck. Subsequent medical investigations confirmed the seriousness of the situation, leading to Otto’s diagnosis of neuroblastoma.
The family was devastated by the news, as neuroblastoma is a rare disease, with Otto being the first case seen in a decade at the hospital. Despite the challenges, Otto’s positive demeanor has endeared him to the hospital staff. The family has faced financial struggles due to the illness, with Sophie quitting her job and Paul taking time off work for hospital visits.
Otto’s condition has prevented him from reaching typical developmental milestones for his age, adding to the family’s stress. They have set up a fundraiser to help cover travel expenses, loss of income, and daily costs during Otto’s treatment. If you wish to support them, you can donate to their cause through their fundraising page.