For little Rocco. Please donate

I have created this GoFundMe page on behalf on my good friends who are in desperate need of financial support. For those who don’t know Jose and Rick Eager they have a 4 year old boy named Rocco who is currently fighting for life in the ICU in Sydney’s Royal North Shore Children’s Hospital.

Rocco was diagnosed with an extremely rare disease called Nemo Deficiency Syndrome which causes major abnormalities to the immune system, brain, skin, hair and teeth. Rocco is the 23rd case of Nemo syndrome in the World, and the only known child in Australia to currently have this diagnosis meaning little is known about the disease and treatment is still in trial basis.

Rocco has spent his whole life in and out of hospital with infections and viruses due to his immunodeficiency until last year when their doctors informed them they had a potential solution. In July of 2023 Rocco was put through a week of intense Chemo followed by a bone marrow transplant in the hopes of building up his immune system. Since the procedure Rocco has battled multiple complications including swelling of the brain, meningitis, he has been on life support and has tested positive to covid for the last 2 months. His Christmas presents are still under his tree at home waiting for him. Unfortunately there is yet to be a successful outcome for Rocco from the trial as his body is currently rejecting the transplant.

Rick and Jose are based in Newcastle, they make the drive to Sydney every day to see him as they are unable to stay in the ICU and cannot afford accommodation in Sydney. Any parent would understand how traumatic it would be to watch your little boy who was once so full of life be in constant pain and lose their spark, they are doing their best to stay positive, but it has started to take a toll on their mental health. Their finances are completely drained, they are relying entirely on Centrelink which after rent leaves them very little. Rick has been working the odd job here and there but with Rocco’s condition being so serious his main priority is being with his son. To make the situation even more stressful Jose is due to give birth to their second child in the next 3 weeks. The thought of having to go through the newborn phase when you have another child barely clinging to life gives me the chills.

I know everyone is struggling financially now but if you could spare any amount to help it would make the world of difference to their family as they navigate this unimaginable situation. All funds raised will go directly to the family.