Hi everyone,

Early this year ‘Ilaisaane was diagnosed with stage two brain cancer after an MRI revealed the growth of tumours on her brain. Unfortunately the cancer she carries is caused by a genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a condition where carriers are genetically predisposed to developing a range of cancers throughout their life. At 13 years of age, ‘Ilaisaane has so far already undergone two brain surgeries to remove these tumours and is currently awaiting treatment to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Fortunately, ‘Ilaisaane is eligible for a certain type treatment called proton therapy which is not available here in Australia. Her medical team at PeterMac are currently organising for her to receive this life saving treatment in America. Although the government pays for the treatment and getting her to America, it is a big cost for our family. These costs include the living expenses for her and her sister who will be staying with her for the duration of the three months she’ll be there receiving treatment, as well as airfares for Ilaisaane’s mum Corina to travel with them and get them settled in America before coming back to be with the rest of ‘Ilaisaane’s siblings back home in Australia.

We would never ask our friends and family for financial help, but after losing ‘Ilaisaane’s father Sione to the same type cancer early last year, we humbly ask for your support during this tough time.

With love and gratitude,

Pongi Family