How ground breaking research can give him back time at school, at home and in the world

His shock diagnosis

Nine-year-old Raf was a vibrant and happy kid living on his family’s property in northern New South Wales when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in October 2021 – one of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer. Within 48 hours, his family’s life was turned upside down, relocating to Brisbane for immediate treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Since this time, he’s experienced chemotherapy and radiation treatments, surgeries, stem cell harvests and transplants and a life changing type of immunotherapy – Dinutuximab – to treat his cancer.

Help away from home

Being away from their home during border closures, the Foundation was there for the family with the little things that get taken for granted – a toothbrush, a phone charger and real coffee. Since his diagnosis, Raf’s needs have significantly changed. He spends a lot of time in the wards or in isolation, due to his compromised immune system. His mum, Natalie, has lost count of the number of ‘crafternoons’ spent together with Children’s Hospital Foundation craft packs. The Foundation has also provided Raf access to iPads, so he can stay connected with his friends and family over the border.

Hope for a better quality of life

The future is still unknown for Raf, as he continues to undergo treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital. But with the promise of immunotherapy, kids like Raf can have hope for a better future.

The Ian Frazer Centre for Children’s Immunotherapy Research is the first of its kind in Australia, which has been established thanks to Children’s Hospital Foundation funding. Immunotherapy is globally recognised as an important new approach to cancer treatment and has the potential to make significant improvements in children’s survival and survivorship.

While researchers at the Ian Frazer Centre work around the clock to accelerate breakthroughs in immunotherapy, Raf has now returned to school between his appointments. He is expected to finish his current treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital in May 2023.