Gold Coast toddler Dustin Vaughan loses battle after rare brain tumour diagnosis

A Gold Coast toddler who was given just three months to live has passed away surrounded by family and loved ones.

A Gold Coast toddler who was given just three months to live has passed away surrounded by family and loved ones.

In July, Dustin Vaughan’s family were given the devastating news that their “amazing, vibrant and caring boy” had a rare brain tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

Doctors said the three-year-old only had three to six months left to live.

Last month, his aunt Kasey Vaughan started an online fundraising campaign to give the family the “biggest gift” they will ever receive - time with Dustin.

“He needs his parents with him - just to take weeks off work isn’t easy these days,” Ms Vaughan told the Bulletin at the time.

“He is frustrated and little and just wants to play with his trucks and his parents.

“We are hoping to raise enough money to give them time to hug and love him and make his end of life journey as full of comfort and love as we possibly can.”

Dustin Vaughan was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour.

In an update to the campaign page, the family announced their “little man” had taken “his last

breath”.

“We wish to thank everyone for their support during this dark time,” the family wrote.

“You have given an amazing gift to Dustin’s parents and allowed them that precious time with their son.

“Dustin had been surrounded by family and loved ones and will forever be in our hearts. “Until we see you in eternity with our Lord Jesus, we will miss you.

“We love you so much little man.”

More than $10,000 has been raised for the family.

The community is invited to celebrate Dustin’s life during a service on Wednesday, November 9 from 11am at the Dreamcentre Christian Church, Carrara.

The toddler’s family said the service would “celebrate the wonderful life of Dusty”.

“He was and continues to be a bright light in this world and his life touched many,” they wrote.

View the fundraising page here.

Dustin Vaughan

Gift of time for 3yo with ‘three tiny months’ left - October 26

The Gold Coast community is rallying to give the “biggest gift” of love, comfort and time to a caring little boy fighting terminal cancer.

At just three-years-old, Dustin Vaughan has been given only three to six months to live.

In July, his family were given the devastating news that their “amazing, vibrant and caring boy” had a rare brain tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

His aunt Kasey Vaughan said Dustin’s parents first noticed something wasn’t quite right when their three-year-old became wobbly on his feet.

“(They) were concerned as his unsteadiness was more evident and changes in character and demeanour began to appear,” Ms Vaughan said.

“(He) was taken to the family doctor with a few concerns - an alarm was then raised and Dustin was taken to a Gold Coast hospital for further tests via ambulance.

“David and Sarah waited by their son’s side while numerous scans were conducted to find the reason for the changes in their little angel.

“An MRI was conducted and the tumour was located.

“Due to the location of the tumour on the brain stem and spinal column - surgery or chemotherapy were sadly not options offered to the family.”

Three-year-old Dustin Vaughan. Picture: supplied

With their toddler under round the clock care from his Gaven home, Ms Vaughan has started an online fundraising campaign to give the family the “biggest gift” they will ever receive - time with Dustin.

“He needs his parents with him - just to take weeks off work isn’t easy these days,” she told the Bulletin.

“He is frustrated and little and just wants to play with his trucks and his parents.

“We are hoping to raise enough money to give them time to hug and love him and make his end of life journey as full of comfort and love as we possibly can.”

The Gold Coast community has answered the call - raising more than $5000 for the Vaughan and Kennedy families in just three days.

Ms Vaughan described the outpouring of community support as “wonderful”.

“We’re really grateful for anything that could help the parents to spend this extra time with Dustin,” she said.

“Any little bit really helps.”

To support the fundraiser, visit here.