During what was an already difficult year with COVID and Melbourne lockdowns, a local Altona family received the news that would forever change their lives – the unthinkable news that their 3 year old boy Oli had cancer.
In September 2020 he was diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. In Australia we diagnose an average of 30-40 cases per year and it currently stands as the number one cause of cancer deaths in under five-year olds.
The last six months have been a nightmare for the family and have included a whirlwind of biopsies, chemotherapy, general anaesthetics, surgeries, hospital stays and an incredible amount of stress, shock and worry.
Currently, high risk Neuroblastoma has approximately a 50% survival rate which is a terrifying statistic. As there are extremely limited maintenance options within Australia to prevent a relapse, there is also the possibility of Oli being included in a trial vaccine in the USA. Many families from Australia have embarked on this journey once in remission and it is a pathway his family want Oli to be a part of.
These vaccine trials unfortunately come at a huge cost, and Oli’s family and friends are fundraising to get him the lifesaving treatment he needs.
Please see https://gofund.me/2172adc5 for more details.
Every small bit makes a difference.
I couldn’t think of anything worse than having a child with such a cruel disease. Having a child with a cold, temp or infection is hard enough.
Praying for this boy!