Elsie's Leukaemia Journey

On the 12th February, 2022 our beautiful 2 year old Elsie was rushed to hospital battling multiple viral illnesses, a 40 degree temperatures and a heart rate of over 203 BPM. For the next six days Elsie remained in hospital undergoing several (often invasive) tests which showed highly abnormal blood counts. On Thursday 17th February our worst fears were confirmed and Elsie was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia. She was transferred to Queensland Children's Hospital oncology ward where she will remain for an unknown period of time.

As of today, 21st February, Elsie will commence an intensive treatment starting with surgery to insert a port into her chest, extract her bone marrow and spinal cord fluid and to inject chemotherapy into her spine. The intensive chemotherapy will continue for several weeks, and Elsie will remain on chemotherapy for at least 2.5 years.

Elsie and her parents Ben and Emma, as well as her 4 month old baby sister Annabelle are truly one of the most beautiful families you will ever meet. Elsie is a radiant, curious and energetic girl who commands a room and brings so much joy to every single person she encounters. Her big blue eyes and big toothy smile could melt the toughest person alive. Her current favourite things are the TV show Bluey, dinosaurs and her baby sister Annie. Only a few weeks ago Elsie celebrated her 2nd birthday by eating rainbow cake and playing on her new trampoline.

Ben and Emma are extremely humble, family driven parents who have shown more strength and courage in the last two weeks than any parent should have to at such a young age despite currently experiencing the most stressful and traumatic period within their lives so far.

As is their nature, Ben and Emma were originally firmly against a GoFundMe campaign to be started as they did not want to put out their friends and family. However, Elsie will potentially be in hospital in Brisbane for months. As such, Ben, Emma and baby Annie will now need to uproot their lives and relocate to Brisbane to focus solely on Elsie's treatment.

This GoFundMe is to give Ben and Emma financial security to rent a property in Brisbane to give the family a safe space to be without having to drive over 1hr to and from the hospital every day. It's so important for them to be near their baby girl during this heartbreaking period, but managing two different rents will be challenging while they both focus full time on Elsie's recovery.

It took a lot of convincing to get Ben and Emma to allow this GoFundMe campaign. Ben and Emma want you all to know that any funds not used directly to support Elsie’s recovery will be donated to relevant charities supporting Childhood Cancer.

Ben and Emma truly and wholeheartedly appreciate every gesture of support including prayers, well wishes and messages of support.

Thank you so much in advance for your support for Elsie's recovery.