A YOUNG woman from Hessle is battling a rare form of bone cancer out in New York.
Jordon Moody, 20, worked for a year so she could afford acting lessons and a drama course at the prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
But part way through her studies, Jordon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer that only affects about 400 sufferers in the UK each year.
Jordon has since had three operations – one of which included taking bone from one leg to put in the other.
Her mum, Lieca, 46, has been living with Jordon since she was diagnosed, but now the budding actress's cousin, Charley Buttle, who lives in Hessle, is trying to raise funds to help pay for the rest of her close family to visit.
Jordon said: "I noticed a lump in my leg but thought I'd pulled a muscle.
"I went into hospital in summer last year and had every scan and test possible before I found out it was cancer.
"When they told me, they said it was highly cancerous and I had to start chemotherapy.
"One of the doctors I've had actually started the research into the condition, so I've had the best possible people looking after me."
Jordon has been treated at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York.
She had chemotherapy before having her first operation on November 2.
The piece of bone with the tumour in was taken out and some bone from her other leg was put in its place.
Veins were also transferred over and plates were put in to hold the bones in place.
The complicated operation took 20 hours, with Jordon heading back down to surgery the next day to rectify a small problem.
She had to have a further operation last week when one of the screws in a plate came loose and began hurting her.
She is now slowly recovering, visiting the hospital most days and using crutches to get from her apartment block to the taxi for the hospital.
While all this has been going on, Jordon's mum Leica has been by her side.
But dad Ivory, 56, and Jordan's sisters, Jem, 22, and Tanika, 14, have remained in England.
Ivory said: "I can't describe how I felt when I found out.
"When they told Jordan she was distraught – it cut short her course, which she was really enjoying.
"I know when she gets well she will continue it again."
The family were able to spend Christmas together, after a fundraising event held in December raised £1,230.
Charley, 20, now wants to raise more money to help her family again.
She said: "Jordon and my auntie Leica aren't working at the moment, and uncle Ivory is at home looking after Tanika.
"I wanted to raise the money so Jordan can spend it how she likes – either on living expenses or a flight ticket for her dad or sister to visit.
"I know it has been a struggle and no one could have gone through something like this without their mum being there."
Visit www.indiegogo.com/justforjordon to donate to the cause.
