Community rallies for ‘beautiful, brave, resilient’ Caleb’s cancer fight

A heartbroken Moreton Bay region mother has opened up about the harrowing events that took her little boy from happy on holiday to facing grade four brain cancer, a five-hour surgery and aggressive treatment all within a matter of days.

The mother of a little boy diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer which seemingly came out of nowhere while on holiday has told of the harrowing moment their lives were turned upside down.

Within hours Caleb Ferris, of Newport north of Brisbane, went from a happy eight-year-old on vacation to suffering a headache which quickly turned to nausea, vomiting and the loss of strength and limping in one leg.

It was not long until doctors at Queensland Children’s Hospital confirmed the unimaginable: a golf-ball-sized brain tumour.

Caleb enjoying his BMX passion. Picture: GoFundMe.

A harrowing five-hour surgery followed to remove the grade four glioblastoma.

The youngster now faces six weeks of radiation treatment followed by six months of chemotherapy.

An MRI at three months will determine the course of future treatment.

Mother Louise Ferris says “quality time” was her family’s focus as they rallied around their eldest son.

“This will be a rough time for him, but we hope to give Caleb some routine things like school that he can return to post his surgery follow-up in a few weeks,” Mrs Ferris said.

She said her family was making the most of every minute together.

“It’s also important for all of us, including our two other young boys, William, who has just started Prep, and Jackson, who is a toddler, to enjoy quality time together while we can, and to make the most of all our weekends and holidays.

“The most important thing for us right now is for Caleb to feel supported,” Mrs Ferris said.

“It’s pretty scary to have all of this happen and yet not be 100 per cent sure you understand it all.”

The tragic news has blossomed into fierce support from friends, family and colleagues who are raising money to explore treatment and allow Louise and Mick as much time with their son as possible.

A GoFundMe campaign has since raised almost $60,000 from hundreds of donations.

One donor was so touched by Caleb’s plight that they gave $5000.

Caleb with mum Louise, dad Mick and brothers William and Jackson. Picture: GoFundMe.

It comes as family friends show their deep care.

“The shock diagnosis and treatment has left this beautiful young family devastated,” stated a family friend.

“They face an unimaginable battle and we, their family, friends, and colleagues want to support them by raising as much money as we can – so Lou and Mick can afford to take time off work to spend as much precious time they can with Caleb, creating memories they will always cherish.

“One of those memories will be to fulfil Caleb’s wish to go to Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

“Caleb is a beautiful, brave, and resilient young boy who deserves more.”

Mrs Ferris said she couldn’t thank the community enough.

“We are very grateful and overwhelmed with the support we have received; we really have no words for all of it,” she said.

“From the moment we found out about Caleb’s initial tumour, our friends, family, and work colleagues have leaned in, offering everything from cooking meals, dropping our younger boys at school and daycare, sending us food vouchers, offers of babysitting, mowing lawns and now the launch of a GoFundMe page to assist us financially – the support has been unwavering and very much appreciated.”

Caleb Ferris, 8, is beloved for his fun-loving nature by family and friends. Picture: GoFundMe.

According to Federal Government body Cancer Australia, patients — including adults — with brain cancer had a 22 per cent survival rate over five years between 2013 – 2017.

An estimated 1528 people died of the disease last year.