Over the past year, Maddy and Sam have been living every parent’s worst nightmare. Weeks after Audrey’s first birthday, their beautiful daughter was diagnosed with high-risk brain cancer with metastatic spread throughout her brain and spine.

Despite a year of intensive treatment, high-dose chemo and 14 surgeries Audrey’s cancer has not yet been successfully treated. You can read more about her treatment on Instagram @tinytunks.

The family have spent most of the past year in hospital, clinging to the hope that between treatments they could bring their daughter home, to fill ordinary moments with love, to sit at the dinner table together, and to be a family in their own space, even as she continues her fight.

That day finally came and then within weeks of returning home, Audrey became critically unwell and was rushed back to hospital with life-threatening sepsis caused by an unknown bacteria. Air and mould testing results shocked everyone involved including the assessor.

The report found the property is unsafe to live in and was categorised as “very high risk” for both healthy and vulnerable people. The indoor mould levels were up to 29 times higher than the outdoor reference sample. This level of moisture has allowed up to 7 dangerous mould species to grow, some of which are known to produce harmful mycotoxins. For Audrey, these levels are not just concerning they are life-threatening.

They have been advised to leave immediately and the contamination is so severe they cannot take most of their belongings. Mattresses, couches, soft furnishings, childrens books and soft toys must all be thrown out.

Now with no home and hardly any belongings, they are trying to secure a new rental without payslips. Both Maddy and Sam have been off work for 11 months rotating between their two children with Audrey at the hospital and Elliott at home.

In an already competitive rental market and even with new rental laws they have being asked for significant upfront payments including one agent suggesting up to 12 months’ rent in advance.

The financial buffer they once had has been consumed by living costs, seeking expert medical opinions from around the world and simply surviving the past year.

After all this family have already been through they deserve a safe home, somewhere they can all be together and make beautiful memories.

Maddy and Sam simply want a place that doesn’t make Audrey’s fight any harder than it already is.

Funds raised will go toward:

• Securing urgent temporary accommodation

• Bond and rent in advance for a permanent rental

• Replacing essential items such as mattresses, bedding, children’s books and toys

Ways to support:

• Donate only if you are able

• Share this page widely

• Reach out if you can assist with essential household goods or replacing childrens belongings

• Help connect them with rental opportunities on the Mornington Peninsula

Every kind act counts. Thank you for supporting Maddy, Sam, Audrey and Elliott, whether it is through donations, sharing their story, sending a message of encouragement or keeping them in your thoughts. Your care and generosity give them hope, safety and the chance to start rebuilding their lives.