Natalie Wethereld: Toddler’s shock cancer diagnosis devastates Hatton Vale family, community

A little Ipswich girl is attending daycare via video link for a version of normalcy as she undergoes a barrage of treatment for “worst case scenario” cancer diagnosis which has left her parents “destroyed” but steadfast in their hope she will beat it.

A “gentle” and “vivacious” Hatton Vale girl has celebrated her second birthday in hospital, after she and her parents were dealt a shocking blow that would change their lives forever.

Little Natalie Wethereld was recently diagnosed with a rare combination of stage four childhood cancer and an auto-immune disease. Her family has been left shattered.

Michael Wethereld said the devastating news hit him and his wife Kate “like a hammer”, particularly as their “miracle baby” Natalie showed no signs of illness whatsoever until just a few weeks ago.

Described by loved ones as being “loud” and “boisterous” and displaying “no fear at all”, little Natalie loves to run, climb, and perform gymnastics tricks.

“She loves to laugh and smile and scream, ‘yeah mate!’” Michael said.

“She’s such an angel.”

Two-year-old Natalie Wethereld from Hatton Vale was recently diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, and auto-immune disease opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome. Picture: Supplied

It was only weeks ago when Kate and Michael noticed Natalie was losing her balance and having what appeared to be seizures; her arms and legs trembling. Now, she can barely walk.

They took their daughter to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where she remained for a week while doctors conducted tests.

They all came back clear, but her seizures were getting worse.

“Initially we thought it may have been epilepsy,” Michael said.

“But her brain activity was all normal.”

On Friday May 6, they found a mass on her adrenal gland and she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Three days later, a PET scan revealed – devastatingly – that she was riddled with cancer.

Little Natalie celebrated her second birthday with family at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Picture: Supplied

A 9.7cm tumour was located on her left adrenal gland and a second on the base of her skull. Cancer was also found in her abdomen, spine, hips, and leg bones.

Natalie received an official diagnosis of both opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome, an auto-immune disorder of the nervous system, and stage four metastatic neuroblastoma.

The combination of both the disease and cancer is so rare in children that few studies have been conducted, but it is understood successful treatment does not guarantee long-term survival.

“They basically have to kill the child without killing the child to bring them back,” Michael said.

“And it’s a one-shot deal.”

There is no reason for the cancer. It is not hereditary. As Michael put it, “it just picks you”.

Natalie commenced “intensive” chemotherapy on Thursday, which is expected to continue for 18 months. Picture: Supplied

Michael said that if Natalie does survive the cancer, she would have to deal with the auto-immune disease for the rest of her life as well as long-term complications such as fertility loss and brain damage.

“It’s very much an uphill battle with not a great outcome,” he said.

“Either way, survival or no survival, it will require a complete shift in how we run our lives. She won’t be the normal, bubbly girl we’d expect.

“It is the worst case scenario. The worst nightmare for any parent.”

Little Natalie began an intensive course of chemotherapy on Thursday, which her doctors expect will span 18 months. She is attending daycare every day via video-link, for some version of normalcy.

Michael said her treating doctors and the staff at Queensland Children’s Hospital had been brilliant, showering his little girl in love much like their devoted support network of family and friends had.

“It doesn’t just devastate us, it devastates everyone that knows her,” he said.

Michael said his daughter still beamed with joy and staff at the Children’s Hospital “love her to bits”. Picture: Supplied

Natalie’s aunt Carolyn Wethereld said it was after things “fell apart” on Monday that she decided she would take action – as much as she could – and launch a GoFundMe campaign to support her brother Michael and Kate as they take time off work to care for their daughter.

More than $13,000 has been raised for the Wethereld family in just two days, which Michael said has “absolutely floored” them as it will allow them to spend more time, and create more memories, together.

Though “destroyed” by their daughter’s unexpected diagnosis, Michael and Kate remain hopeful she will be one of the rare few who overcome it.

Michael said they were immensely grateful to the many wonderful people and agencies who had offered their support thus far.

To donate directly to Natalie’s family, visit their GoFundMe page here.