Help our Hero - fundraiser for Lena
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Hi, my name is Wessel Badenhorst. I am the proud dad of Esther Helena Badenhorst, who we lovingly call Lena. We are a Mackay family temporarily relocated to Brisbane. (Photo of us below - Heinrich, my son, participated in the First Lego League and was part of the winning team at Fortitude Valley).
On her 5th birthday (21 April 2023), Lena woke up with a headache and she was nauseous. Looking pale and unwell, mom took her to the hospital, where an MRI was done on her brain. The brain scan revealed a mass in the region of her pineal gland.
She was flown the the Queensland Childrens Hospital in Brisbane and admitted on the same day. Further MRI's and a biopsy (27 April 2023) of the mass informed a diagnosis of Pinoblastoma - a rare form of aggressive brain cancer. MRI's also picked up spots in her spine, indicating metastatis has occurred and the cancer has entered her spine. (Photo of Lena's bed on the plane)
Those who know Lena can attest to how upbeat and positive she always is. She is such a brave girl! After recovering from what was described as a high risk surgery (craniotomy, 16 May 2023), she invited her doctors for a sleep-over and always played games with the nursing staff - she became a favourite on the 12th floor of the hospital.
Following her recovery from surgery, she started with radiation on the 20th of June 2023. She lost all her beautiful, golden, curley hair on the 6th of July 2023 and completed radiation on the 1st of August 2023. (Photo of her beautiful hair below)
We went through significant ups and downs, often concerned that our little hero won't pull through, but she remained resilient and positive. She often took the ukulele in the waiting area to entertain the doctors and nurses (below)!
Following radiation, we had a 6week break to recover. With the support of Camp Quality, we went to the Gold Coast, where Lena shared the sweetest smile with 'Superman' at Movieworld. (Thanks so much to the wonderful people at Movieworld- you made the day SUPER special for us!)
After our trip to Movieworld we booked a RV through transfercar.com.au from Brisbane to Sydney for four days, followed by flights back to Brisbane to go back to the hospital. Breakaways like this, just to get away from our hospital lives, were a breakthrough in terms of mental health. (StarRV we travelled with - such a good get-away!)
Following our 'escape from reality', we returned to the hospital to do more tests and to start her chemotherapy treatments (19 September 2023 to 8 January 2024). She had many secondary infections along the way, including the Rhino-virus (5 times), Covid-19 (2 times), Staph, endocarditis and urinary tract infections. (We've spent 87nights in hospital to date!)
Lena is still recovering from her last chemotherapy - still at war with cancer! (She is still smiling and positive, even though she's had plenty of bad days!)
I can't put into words how tough this journey has been for us as a family. If it wasn't for her positivity and willingness to put up a good fight against cancer, we wouldn't have been able to cope with all of this.
This fundraiser is for Lena, my hero. I hope that the funds raised will be able to help her in life and provide her opportunities in life that we may not be able to afford her.
Help us in supporting our hero.
Thank you:
- A big thanks to all our friends and family, who have carried us when we weren't able to walk.
- Thank you to the Mackay Baptist Church for your unwavering support.
- Thank you to Victoria Park State School - it's such a blessing to have such a supportive school and caring Principal!
- Thank you to my and Dedrè's employers - the fact that we aren't unemployed yet speaks volumes of your support to us, let alone all the help you've given!
- Thank you to the Queensland Childrens Hospital, the level of care we have received here to date is out of this world. We love the staff here, such friendly and caring people. You are a dime in a dozen! The Dr's are world class and you all inspire such confidence.
- Childrens Cancer Support, Red Kite, Brainchild, Ozharvest, Ronald McDonald House and other charities that have supported us in this time - you always managed to give just the right support at the right time!
- Pam Baum and the Coral Tree Property Team for all your support, including allowing us to store our lives in their storeroom!
- Morne Nell and Meatco - this guys heart is bigger than Queensland. I am so grateful to have you in my community.
- HCF and the Queensland Government - we are humbled by the quality healthcare our daughter is able to receive. The amount of tests done and nights spent in hospital is testament to the fact that no expenses were saved to save our hero.
- Hillsong Church Brisbane. When we were in a different place and needed a place to anchor ourselves, you were there with arms wide open. Thank you.
- I don't have the words to describe God's role in our lives and this journey his taken with us. Through what's happening with Lena, countless people have reached out to us to tell us how our journey has impacted their lives and their faith. He has truly given us the strength when we needed it most. We are surrounded by wonderful people that God brought into our lives. Lena's life is a testimony to God's grace and the fact that I can bear first hand witness to the miracle that she is - just highlights his mercy.
- Jesus is the truth and they way. Through Him all things are possible.
Organizer
Wessel Badenhorst
Organizer
Highgate Hill, QLD