Elsie-Rose Ward is a bright, bubbly 2-year-old with the sweetest smile and the kindest little soul. She is the much-loved daughter of Michaela and Luke, and the proud big sister to baby Florence.

A couple weeks ago, Elsie was rushed to hospital with sudden weakness, vomiting, and neurological symptoms. A scan revealed a 5cm bleeding mass on her brain. She was quickly transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital where she underwent major brain surgery to remove the tumour. Our brave girl made it through the long surgery, but after waking was soon diagnosed with Posterior Fossa Syndrome, a condition that affects mobility, speech and vision in about 25% of children who undergo similar surgeries. Despite this, her strength is already shining through as she slowly begins to recover, showing small progress day by day.

On 15/07/2025 the tumour was confirmed to be Ependymoma, a rare childhood brain cancer with high chances or returning. In order to treat and prevent the tumour from returning, Elsie will need to undergo Proton Radiation Therapy, a treatment only available in Jacksonville, Florida in the US.

While government support will cover Elsie and one parent - being her dad, Luke - due to the varying length of treatment and preparation, it won’t cover her mum Michaela — who is currently 5 months pregnant — or baby sister Florence. This would mean Elsie would be away from her mum and baby sister for close to 3 months. A baby always needs their mummy close by, especially in a time like this. This fundraiser will help cover costs of travel, medical insurance, and living expenses to ensure the whole family are able to be together in Florida during Elsie’s treatment, so she has all the love and support she needs to keep fighting.

Any donation, big or small, will make a world of difference to our beautiful, brave little girl and her family.

Michaela and Luke would like you to know that any funds raised that are not used will be donated to the incredible charities who have helped support their family along the journey thus far such as RedKite, Starlight, Kids with Cancer and the Queensland Children’s Hospital.