GoFundMe raises $21k for teenager diagnosed with rare bone cancer

“When she is in agony, we are in agony”: Every parent’s worst nightmare has struck two north Brisbane parents after their darling girl was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer weeks out from her 14th birthday.

Just weeks out from her 14th birthday, when she should have been planning celebrations with loved ones, a Brisbane teenager received news that would change her and her family’s lives forever.

Giliya Shoshanna Rasmussen, from Clayfield, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma bone cancer; a rare type of cancer that typically occurs in children and young adults and is treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Shortly after the shock diagnosis, Giliya commenced intensive chemotherapy treatment to ensure local control of the cancer.

Giliya Rasmussen, 13, is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare type of childhood cancer. Picture: Supplied

A GoFundMe created by dear friend of the Rasmussen family and Ipswich woman Luti Kubunameca — which has now raised more than $21,000 — stated she is expected to experience side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to hair loss and muscle deterioration over the next nine to 12 months of treatment.

She will also likely require support with everyday activities such as showering, walking, and dressing.

“Like every parent would do without hesitation, Nola (her mama) has taken an extended leave without pay for this term to ensure that she can care full time for Giliya,” Ms Kubunameca shared in the GoFundMe campaign.

A GoFundMe has been created to help the Rasmussen family as they support Giliya through her treatment.

“Keith (her father) has a week-and-a-half left of sick leave and annual leave (but) would like to stop work to be at home with Giliya having a low immune system and not wanting to put her at risk.

“It is unknown how long this treatment will be at this stage, however the family are taking one day at a time, one treatment at a time.”

The Ipswich woman said she hoped the fundraiser would allow them to focus wholly on their daughter’s recovery.

The Rasmussen family.

Loved ones and supporters are now following Giliya’s journey online, via a Facebook page called: ‘Support Giliya‘s fight against cancer!’

In an online post shared on Thursday April 7, Giliya’s mother Nola-Louise wrote it was “heartbreaking” for her and her husband Keith to watch their “warrior princess” suffer.

“For Keith Rasmussen and I, when she is in agony we are in agony ..., when her hair starts to fall out it is hard not to bite back the tears, when the twinkle in her eyes and sunshine smile is starting to fade, we are reminded each time even when she wants to stop chemo but then keeps courageously braving through it that her hair will grow back, her sunshine smile and twinkle in her eye will reappear when she knows we are going home after each treatment,” Nola-Louise said.

Giliya is currently receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital. The length and intensity of her treatment will depend on her response to it and her recovery periods.