Brisbane teen Matt Millar’s brain cancer battle

A Brisbane family has revealed the fear-filled days that lead to their son’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis — and their amazing defiance as they prepare to travel the world to save him.

A Brisbane family is clinging to hope their teenage son will outlive a harrowing six-month prognosis after doctors discovered his rare form of brain cancer.

More than $100,000 has been raised for 15-year-old Matt Millar to travel to Mexico for cutting edge treatment, which his family hopes will allow him to live longer.

The teen was diagnosed with a high-grade diffused brain cancer in August. Doctors have said it is inoperable and medically incurable.

The Brisbane boy was given six-to-12 months to live if he had radiation treatment.

While his loving family was left devastated, they have refused to give up hope.

Dad Stuart Millar with son Matt. Picture: Madeline Grace

Stuart and Maria Millar were in Cairns celebrating their 30-year wedding anniversary in when their son started showing signs something wasn’t quite right.

By the time they arrived home, Matt couldn’t see out of his right eye and was having trouble talking and moving his right side limbs.

Frightened, emotional and in a state of panic they rushed their son to hospital.

“It’s amazing how your life can change in 24 hours,” Mr Millar said.

“We had the whole family there and we all got the news together. It was an emotional time and wasn’t the good news we’d been hoping for.

“Then, a week later, we got the prognosis, once we got the exact type of cancer. They’re still doing genetic tests now. It’s very rare.”

Matt Millar with his family in hospital. Picture: contributed

In the midst of their heartbreak, the Millar family leaned on their church, family, friends, and community.

Family friend Brenton Drennert, who has connections to the hospital in Mexico, created a GoFundMe campaign to help the family raise $85,000 to get Matt to Mexico for what could be potentially lifesaving treatment.

In less than two weeks, they had reached their fundraising goal, giving Matt another chance at life.

“It was overwhelming to raise that much in just 13 days,” Mr Millar said.

“We also have so many people praying for Matt which we appreciate.

“We are overwhelmed by the love shown by so many, it is very touching. We have great hope for Matt.”

Brisbane teen Matt Millar has been diagnosed with a deadly brain cancer. Picture: contributed

Mr Millar and Matt planned to leave for Mexico on October 20, after he had finished radiation treatment.

It will be an intensive 20-day hospital stay for the treatment, plus follow-up care and further treatment three months later.

The multifaceted treatment included dendritic cell therapy and Vitamin B17 infusions, neither of which are available in Australia.

Matt will also undergo diet changes, high-dose vitamins, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and immune therapies.

Mr Millar has been accompanying his son to radiation treatment sessions five days a week.

The 15-year-old has already started to see the effects of brain cancer.

He struggles with fatigue, talking, can’t see out of his right eye, and has very limited use of his right limbs.

Brisbane 15-year-old Matt Millar plans to fly to Mexico for treatment. Picture: contributed

“He struggles to articulate words,” Mr Millar said.

“He seems to understand most things but his cognitive process is a lot slower.

“He’s having to do everything with his left hand.

“Learning to kick a soccer ball and play drums with his left hand and foot.”

With Australian doctors telling the family nothing could be done to save their son, Mr Millar dealt with his emotions by getting to work.

“I think men and women deal with their emotions differently,” he said.

“It’s a generalisation of course, but while Maria has been quite emotional, and I’ve tried to be a great emotional support to her, I’ve gone straight into research mode.

“Trying to find a solution.”

Brisbane’s Millar family is raising money to send their 15-year-old son, Matt, to Mexico for lifesaving treatment. Picture: contributed

That has involved purchasing an infra-red sauna for Matt, adjusting his diet and including supplements.

Mr Millar said it was their faith in their religion which gave them hope.

“We are at peace, surrounded by God’s love and are full of hope.

“Really makes you think about what is really important in life.

“In the big picture, we are comforted, feel at peace and have tremendous hope.

“But walking the journey is tough, really painful, and we really appreciate all the love and support given by so many.”