A LITTLE girl fighting cancer is almost at the end of her life-changing medical treatment in America.

Four-year-old Katie Dodd has now completed four out of the five-and-half weeks of proton beam therapy — the most advanced form of radiotherapy which is only available in the United States.

And it is hoped the youngsters will be back in Bolton in time for a huge party, which will be held in her honour at the end of April.

Doctors are trying to beat the cancerous tumour in her spine, which has left her unable to walk.

The Farnworth youngster has also finished her ninth round of chemotherapy and despite her sinking temperatures, she has been allowed to stay at her temporary home in Florida with the rest of her family.

According to parents Lee and Rebecca Dodd, Katie’s big brother Joseph, aged nine, is loving life in America.

Mum Rebecca said: “Despite spiking temperatures all week her immune system isn't completely wiped out. She was given IV antibiotics then allowed to come home again. She continues to be good and never moans or complains.

“Nor has she suffered with any side-effects of the radiotherapy yet and her specialist is very pleased with her performance.

“Joseph is loving America because everything bigger than in the UK. He's attending an American camp this week since it is Easter break.”

Katie is being treated at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, and is also working hard in physiotherapy to build up her strength.

The smiling youngster has also managed to crawl.

Rebecca added: “She is making amazing progress in physio, she is crawling now and being a little more independent where possible.”

Katie’s problems started last August with severe back pains.

On September 16 she woke up and could not move her legs. An MRI scan revealed she had a six-centimetre tumour.

Since then she has been having gruelling treatment and the £114,000 cost of the proton beam therapy is being met by the NHS.

For more details about the Katie Dodd appeal go to katiedoddappeal.co.uk or call Katie’s aunt Donna Brown on 07977 545105 about their next fundraiser called “Katie’s American Dream.”