Hi I’m Lauren and I am starting this fundraiser for my nephew who has just been diagnosed with cancer.

Ethan’s Story

Summary

This fundraiser is being organised by Ethan’s family on behalf of Ethan and his mum, Kirsty. Ethan is 13 and has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer linked to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Funds raised will help ease financial pressure so both of Ethan’s parents can be present throughout his treatment, covering time away from work, accommodation, travel, and small moments of normality for Ethan during an incredibly difficult time.

Full Story

My name is Lauren

, and I am Ethan’s aunt. I am organising this fundraiser on behalf of Ethan and his mum, Kirsty, because right now their focus needs to be on Ethan — not on finances or how they’re going to manage everything that has been thrown at them.

Ethan is 13 years old. He should be worrying about school, friends, and what he wants to do on the weekend — not learning medical terms no child should ever have to hear.

Ethan was born with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along nerves throughout the body. While this condition has always been part of his life, his family never imagined it would lead to what they are now facing.

Recently, Ethan was diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) — a rare and aggressive cancer associated with NF1. His tumour is large and complex, located close to vital structures in his neck and chest. Hearing that your child has cancer is something no parent is ever prepared for, and it changes life instantly.

Ethan’s mum, Kirsty, is an enrolled nurse with eight years of experience and is currently completing her Bachelor degree, with one remaining compulsory unpaid university placement still to complete. She has already used all of her annual leave completing clinical hours. Despite her healthcare background, nothing prepares you for becoming the parent of the patient. Right now, Kirsty’s priority is simply being Ethan’s mum — present, calm, and there for him through appointments, hospital days, and everything that comes with this diagnosis.

Ethan’s parents are separated, but they are united in their love for him and in wanting to support him together during this incredibly difficult time. Ethan needs both of his parents present — emotionally and physically — as he faces something frightening and uncertain.

Because of the need for time away from work without income, combined with travel, accommodation, food, and daily living costs, the financial pressure is significant. Accommodation during treatment is also more complicated due to family circumstances, including limited access to options such as Ronald McDonald House.

This fundraiser is not about placing responsibility on one parent or another. It is about easing the financial strain so Ethan can have both parents showing up for him without added stress — allowing the focus to remain on his care, emotional wellbeing, and sense of safety.

We are also hoping to support small moments of normality for Ethan when possible — gentle days out, fresh air, and breaks from hospital walls. Ethan is still a 13-year-old boy, not just a patient, and those moments matter deeply.

Funds raised will help support:

- Time away from work so Kirsty can be present for Ethan throughout treatment

- Accommodation and travel costs

- Food and daily living expenses

- Small outings to support Ethan’s mental and emotional wellbeing

As a family, we are doing everything we can to support Ethan and Kirsty, but we cannot do this alone. This fundraiser is a way for the wider community to help carry some of the weight during an incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for taking the time to read Ethan’s story. Any support — whether through donating, sharing, or keeping Ethan in your thoughts — means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Lauren Krause

(Ethan’s aunt)