Baby diagnosed with rare brain cancer, treatment to cost over $100k
A Sydney family has revealed how a “sudden change” in their infant son’s eye movements “quickly turned into our worse nightmare”.
Illness
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illness. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Sydney family has revealed how a “sudden change” in their infant son’s eye movements “quickly turned into our worse nightmare”.
Laura Kelly and her husband Cheyne welcomed Noah in September 2021 “after four years [of] struggling to conceive and … two miscarriages”.
But on February 20 this year, the couple noticed a change in their “miracle bubba”.
“A sudden change in Noah’s eye movements quickly turned into our worse nightmare,” Laura explained in a video on Instagram.
At just 16 months old, he was diagnosed with stage 4 Pineoblastoma – an extremely rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that most commonly occurs in children.
In the months since, Noah has undergone five surgeries – with more ahead, because the location and complexity of his tumour means not all of it could be removed.
Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe – which in five days has raised more than $50,000 – to help them with ongoing medical costs and day-to-day living expenses.
“Noah’s treatment will involve a minimum of six months of high-dose chemotherapy to slow the tumour’s growth and prevent it from spreading to other parts of his body,” the description on the page reads.
“He will also need six weeks of radiotherapy after chemotherapy, which comes with risks of damaging healthy brain tissue, with potential long-term effects on Noah’s health.
“As you can imagine, this has taken a severe toll on Laura and Cheyne, who have been by Noah’s side day and night at the hospital.
“Laura has taken leave from work, and Cheyne has reduced his hours [at work] to care for their precious son. The financial burden on this family is immense, both in the short-term and the long-term.”
Any funds raised will also contribute to potential Proton Beam radiotherapy treatment overseas – an option that’s not currently available in Australia.
“However, the costs associated with such treatment are staggering, estimated to be over $100,000 for medical expenses alone,” the page notes.
“We humbly ask you to share Noah’s story with your network and consider making a donation, no matter how big or small. Every little bit counts. Laura, Cheyne, and Noah have a long and challenging road ahead, and they need our help now more than ever.”
Originally published as Baby diagnosed with rare brain cancer, treatment to cost over $100k
‘Heartbreaking’: Baby’s cancer battle after months of salmonella treatment
Baby Bryson was struggling for months, unable to get over salmonella, his mum was constantly bringing him to the doctor until finally they received a shocking diagnosis.
Call for alcohol delivery curfew
Following the death of a 30-year-old from alcohol poisoning, a coroner is calling for curfews for booze home delivery.