"Brave" 11-Year-Old Naas Girl Enrolled In Clinical Trial In UK Following Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Monday, 12 January 2026 14:44

By Martin Osborne

Jessica 'Jaye' Gibson, a pupil at Rathmore National School, first presented with headaches and swelling of the tongue in August 2025.

An 11-year-old schoolgirl from Naas has begun intensive treatment after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, following a rapid deterioration in her condition late last year.

Jessica 'Jaye' Gibson, a pupil at Rathmore National School, first presented with headaches and swelling of the tongue in August 2025.

Initial imaging identified what was believed to be a benign tumour affecting cranial nerves at the base of the brain, in a location that made biopsy unsafe.

Further diagnostic testing was carried out over subsequent weeks, including genetic, hormonal and PET scans.

As her symptoms progressed, clinicians at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin ordered a repeat MRI, which showed that the tumour had doubled in size.

A biopsy was then possible, and histological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and particularly aggressive soft-tissue cancer.

Owing to the tumour’s location, surgical intervention is not considered viable.

Jaye commenced weekly chemotherapy within days of the diagnosis and has been enrolled in a clinical trial as part of her treatment programme.

This month, she is due to spend eight weeks in Manchester, where she will undergo proton beam therapy, a form of targeted radiotherapy used in specific paediatric cancers.

Jaye is involved in a number of sporting and artistic activities locally, including basketball with Naas Serpents, GAA with Eadestown, and drama and music with several local groups.