Little boy’s brave cancer fight after years of illness

Six-year-old Nicholas Reed has been through more than most of us will go through in a lifetime. Now he needs your help.

At age six, Nicholas Reed has been through more than most of us will go through in a lifetime.

He was diagnosed with a liver disease at eight weeks old and received a liver transplant at five months of age.

Nicholas has had to undergo invasive procedures and surgeries, blood tests, he has dealt with sepsis, intensive care admissions and immunodeficiency.

And now, just as he was recovering, he has been diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive type of post transplant cancer.

Nicholas (left) and his three brothers. Picture: GoFundMe

At this stage, the prognosis for Nicholas is unclear. The cancer has spread through his stomach, lungs, shoulder and kidney. Soon he will undergo chemotherapy and treatment could be as long as three years.

His mum Elena Reed told news.com.au the diagnosis had rocked her family.

“It is just very tough,” she said. “When a child is sick, with a chronic disease, it impacts everything.”

Nicholas in hospital. Picture: GoFundMe

She said her marriage had disintegrated since her son became sick and she recently lost her job as a lawyer as she needed to care for her son.

The single mother has two other young sons to care for as well.

Her friend, Kerren Hosking, told news.com.au that Elena was really struggling.

“As a single mum to three young boys, this diagnosis comes on top of an already difficult year,” she said.

“Working is impossible as she supports Nicholas and his brothers through this unimaginably distressing situation and as the sole parent debts are piling up, creating even more stress.”

The pair met randomly through Facebook when Elena was fundraising to buy equipment for the liver unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“Our crossing paths resulted in an incredible donation of a Fibroscan valued at close to $200,000,” she said.

“This life-changing machine means liver kids can be assessed non-invasively in around five minutes.

The young boy has been through more than most of us will go through in a lifetime. Picture: GoFundMe

“This is what she does – finds the things that need fixing and does what she can to raise awareness and funds to help other liver families and our health services.”

Ms Hoskings said now she wanted to help Elena and “take away some of the strain so she can focus on her family”.

A GoFundMe fundraising appeal has been started to support Elena as she cares for her son, with a $50,000 target. More than 460 donations have so far been made.

“Every donation, no matter how small, will help ease the strain for Elena and give her and her boys the precious gift of time together without having to worry about losing their home,” Ms Hosking said.

“Funds will go directly to Elena to support her and her family at this unimaginably challenging time.”