Ruby Barnes: Young Mildura girl battles rare cancer far from home

A young Mildura teen is battling a rare cancer far from home after her family fought doctors for answers.

A Mildura teen is battling a rare cancer and undergoing treatment far from home after doctors told her it was nothing to worry about.

Ruby Barnes, 13, was diagnosed with nasopharangeal carcinoma cancer after the gland around her neck popped up and became swollen in early February.

She has been undergoing treatment at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.

When Ruby began feeling unwell, her mother Kameo Te Rangi took her to many different doctors who kept telling them that it was just a virus that would disappear on its own.

“That never sat well with me as Ruby has had severe atopic dermatitis, egg allergy and asthma since she was two years old. So we aren’t new to hospitals as Ruby’s always been sick a lot,” she said.

Ruby Barnes, 13, is battling a rare form of cancer a long way from her home in Mildura.

“It took a while to get a diagnosis but the main thing that gave us answers was a biopsy on neck where they can send a small portion off and wait for results.

“Going to a specialist appointment at a bigger state hospital helped us as they are equipped with the biggest and best medical equipment.”

Ruby developed a virus called Epstein Barr Virus which unfortunately turned into the cancer.

“It’s said to be a rare cancer that isn’t usually found in children. And somehow we were told that it was a worse case result of catching EBV and it turned into cancer,” Ms Te Rangi said.

Ruby has been through two rounds of chemotherapy and will soon undergo radiation as well.

“We are looking at a six month journey. We have been here (in Adelaide) for one month and two weeks so far,” Ms Te Rangi said.

“Everything happens very quickly in order to fight the cancer. Our daughter takes everything on in her stride. She’s the toughest little girl I have met.”

Ms Te Rangi described her daughter as a “quiet and mature girl” who loves TikTok, art, writing and being “cheeky”.

“She loves to organise and colour code. She loves animals and family, outside, YouTube and a good game. She‘s a jack of all trades. She is quirky but stylish at the same time. She’s our little ruby gem,” she said.

Ruby has been tackling the cancer “head on” with an optimistic attitude.

“She asks mature questions about her body and side effects. She remains very optimistic but has days where she wonders why me. And we also do the same. We keep telling ourselves, you’ve got this girl,” Ms Te Rangi said.

“Never in our wildest dreams or nightmares would we think it could happen to our baby girl.”

The family have all been able to be together in South Australia while Ruby receives treatment but will soon be separated as he brother and father head back to Mildura. The family are trying to put together money for a car so that visits can be frequent.

Ruby’s parents are hoping she will return to Mildura to live a happy and healthy life.

“If we have to do anything different we will adjust but for now that is our plan, first health then home,” they said.

“Lastly we just want to add never feel like a helicopter parent or too over protective. Always double check even if you get looked at with a paranoid looks and just to live everyday to the fullest.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the family. To donate click here.