My son and his young family are facing the hardest season of their lives, in a country a million miles away. They had no idea when they moved to Colombia in June that their 3 year old son Tino would be fighting for his life in September- a few days after his baby brother was born- and that he’d need ongoing medical treatment he can’t get in Colombia.

Tino was diagnosed with a very severe Crohns Disease attack. They said he was 24 hours away from dying. His Crohns means he requires constant monitoring, medications, specialist assessments, strict diets and recurring treatment. His medical costs alone just to keep him stable are AUD$500 per month. Every flare-up sets the family back emotionally and financially.

On top of that, Tino is a non-verbal autistic child, so he can’t communicate his pain or understand why doctors keep putting needles into him.

Juggling a newborn and a sick child in hospital with no local family support has been exhausting for them. They didn’t know about his Crohns when they moved there - if they did, they wouldn’t have left Australia.

Because Tino is an Australian citizen, he can receive the best possible medical care in Australia without giant medical bills, and the kind of treatment that simply isn’t accessible where they are now- especially for his autism. Australia offers specialists, long-term treatment plans, speech pathology, occupational therapy and a healthcare system that can finally give Tino stability and stop the huge medical bills that come with being sick in a different country.

The goal is clear and critical:

To keep a roof over their heads while they wait for their visas and to bring the whole family back home to Australia.

Dayne and Tino’s flights are covered but Amelia & Mason’s flights aren’t and they can’t be left behind. But of course it’s near impossible to save for flights when you’re paying $500 a month- sometimes more- for medical costs.

Friends and family- and even strangers- are helping get everything ready for them in Australia- donating cots, furniture, baby clothes, bedding etc.

But until they can return home, they still need help to keep a roof over their heads, cover Tino’s medical costs, and survive long enough to make the move safely.

Your support will help with:

• Ongoing medical care for Tino- his medical care is at least $500 per month, which includes his strict diet for Crohns, huge amount of medications & regular medical appointments. That’s if he’s well- if he has another severe attack, they’d be looking at another giant hospital bill.

• Basic living costs and rent in Colombia until they can return ($1300 rent per month + food and formula for both boys)

• Food and essentials for the family

• Transport & emergency bills

• Amelia’s plane ticket to Australia

Dayne is doing everything he can — working nonstop around the clock, juggling crises, a new business and trying to keep his kids safe but right now, he simply cannot do it alone.

Your contribution gives this young family a literal chance to come home.

Your compassion becomes medical care, shelter, and hope.

Your help ensures both Tino and baby Mason get the chance they deserve and that Dayne and Amelia can finally exhale, surrounded by loved ones that are eagerly waiting for them to come home.

If you can donate or share, thank you. Every bit of help matters.