10 years on; Saving James' Life

Good Friday 2014 after weeks of being unwell James at 5 years of age, was taken to Sunshine Hospital where he had some tests and was sent home. The following Monday after being transferred to RCH Toni and Colin knew it was serious.

James was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma.

A tumour was below his brain and filling every other space and cavity in his head. It was all through his nasal cavity, it was backing onto the top of his brain, it was

pushing out the side of his head and going down his throat. It had even wrapped around the nerves that ran through his ear. It was serious.

Toni and James spent the next 6 months in the RCH in Melbourne as James underwent an intense Chemo protocol, while Colin was at home with their younger son Braydan and working, with the support of their family and friends. There were endless trips in and out of hospital from their home in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

James was able to beat the cancer and the family felt truly blessed. Unfortunately a side effect of one of the drugs that James took only twice, caused damage to one of James’ heart valves.

5 years after James' cancer treatment and remission, he was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy or disease of the heart muscle. Unfortunately 15% of children that have chemo end up with heart disease. James was no longer able to be an active boy, becoming easily out of breath and unable to even keep up on a walk through the Lego store.

Lego is something that James thoroughly enjoys and is his therapy to cope with endless medical tests that are required. It is his favourite currency or bribery for all that he endures, as well as a way to play with his brother as physical activity escapes him.

Now 14, James and his family now face their next medical challenge. James has gone onto the transplant list for a Heart and Lung transplant to be performed at the Alfred hospital when the call comes.

This will mean James will be in hospital for 8-10 weeks while Toni will be off work for 6 months. Colin will also be off work during his hospital stay and supporting Braydan as he starts High School this year. Their extended family will also play a pivotal role with transplant recovery and supporting the household.

There is an army of family, friends and work colleagues that are all there to support the entire family during this time. Everyone has asked of ways they can help when they have no words to say or don’t know what words are the right words to say and listening just doesn’t feel enough.

The Bloor family will need to travel in and out from the hospital to their family home as they do not qualify for family accommodation. There are also ongoing medical bills, on going parking, living costs and of course new Lego for James!!!

If you are able to donate any amount in any way, please know that every donation is received with love and will be used to help the family during this time.

Toni, Colin, James and Braydan say a heartfelt thank you for your support during their next medical journey.