Indi Taylor, 6, diagnosed with leukaemia while travelling to watch NRL game

A trip to watch their favourite NRL team has instead turned into a devastating situation for a six-year-old and her family.

A family’s NRL outing turned tragic a fortnight ago after their daughter’s health declined, ending in a cancer diagnosis.

The Taylor family had travelled to Newcastle to watch the Knights take on Parramatta Eels late June, when six-year-old Indi began suffering from severe fatigue and abdominal pain.

Her mother, Nikki, rushed her to the doctors and after a series of tests, Indi was transferred to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.

Indi Taylor, 6, from Grafton, pictured with her brother Levi. Picture: Supplied

There, she was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit and diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia within hours.

The diagnosis shattered the world of Indi’s parents, including her father Jayson, and brother Levi, 8.

“That’s how quickly she went from being a happy, healthy girl to becoming a cancer patient,” family friend Giselle Bell said.

“It has been a worrying time for Levi as he sees his sister in a hospital bed with tubes everywhere, confused about what is happening.

“Indi has been so brave throughout this initial phase, and we are sure her positive attitude will be a great help in her recovery.”

In a space of two weeks, the youngster has already undergone a surgery and is scheduled for another, with chemotherapy treatment starting soon.

Indi with her mum Nikki and brother Levi. Picture: Supplied

She will call the Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle her home for the next six months – 469km away from where they live in Grafton.

“Her treatment started with a seven-day course of steroids. Indi then started her initial phase of chemotherapy on Tuesday and will undergo chemo twice a week for at least 6 months,” Ms Bell said.

“The subsequent phases include consolidation, intensification, then a maintenance phase. “The T-Cell adds a 2nd layer of complications, and depending on how her body responds to chemo, she may need a bone-marrow transplant during the consolidation phase of treatment.

“This is done to replace bone marrow cells damaged during chemotherapy.”

The week prior to her diagnosis, Indi had felt a little more tired than usual, and had some tummy pains. Picture: Supplied

Indi Taylor, 6, from Grafton, has been diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Picture: Supplied

The family’s heartbreaking situation has forced the parents, both health workers, to leave their jobs to look after their daughter.

As a result, their financial situation has become strained, adding to the stress of an already overwhelming situation.

Ms Bell has set up a GoFundMe page fore to help ease the family’s burden, with $14,300 already raised in two days.

“In a matter of hours their lives went from carefree, to battling childhood cancer. They had only taken enough clothes for a two-night stay in Newcastle,” Ms Bell said.

“Jayson immediately made the trip down to Newcastle. They did not expect this diagnosis at all.

“ It all happened so fast – processing the news has been devastating and the life they had imagined for Indi has been put on hold.”

Indi Taylor with her dad Jayson while in hospital. Picture: Supplied

In additional to financial support, the family are encouraging the public to make blood donations, which are essential for leukaemia patients

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the support and love you have shown for Indi as she bravely fights her battle with leukaemia,” Ms Taylor said.

“Many of you have asked “what can we do? And the answer is donate blood. It saves lives, particularly cancer warriors.

“Indi has already been the recipient of blood products and will continue to need it.”

You can register as a blood donor here. Once registered, go to ‘Teams’ and choose ‘My Teams’. Then enter ‘Team Indi’, hit submit and track your blood donation.

Originally published as Indi Taylor, 6, diagnosed with leukaemia while travelling to watch NRL game