Keep their family together, while Gabe fights for his life

Hi, my name is Jackie, and I’m incredibly blessed to be an aunty to 13 wonderful nieces and nephews. They each hold a special place in my heart, but right now, one of them—my brave nephew Gabe (15 years old) —is facing an unimaginable battle AGAIN.

In 2017, Gabe (8 years old) was diagnosed with T-cell ALL leukemia (T-ALL). By the time we found out, his body was already overwhelmed by cancer. There was a large mass in his lungs that nearly took his life, and the disease had deeply invaded his bone marrow. What followed were 3.5 gruelling years of chemotherapy. There were moments when the treatment took such a toll on him that he lost the ability to walk as it damaged the nerves in his feet and legs. But, by some miracle, after years of fighting, Gabe was declared cancer-free, and he was able to walk again!

But just last week, our world turned upside down once more. Gabe lost the ability to walk again, and after several agonizing trips to and from the Rockhampton hospital, he was flown to Brisbane Children’s Hospital. The news we received shattered us: his leukemia has returned, this time attacking his spine. Gabe needed to start chemotherapy and radiation immediately.

This news devastatingly broke his spirit. He was desperate for his family to be close to him. So, that night, his Papa and four siblings got in the car and drove 8 hours overnight just to be by his side. This time, the road ahead is even harder, with fewer guarantees. But Gabe's family is determined to surround him with love and support every step of the way.

When Gabe was first diagnosed in 2017, my sister Kathy—his mother—sold their family home to afford his treatment and move closer to the hospital. She never asked for any financial help, only for prayers and good thoughts. But now, they’re in a different position. Kathy is a sole trader, and her husband is a casual barista. With the rising cost of living and their current work situation, staying in Brisbane for Gabe’s treatment is going to be financially impossible without help.

Thankfully, they have a place to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, but they still need support for everyday living expenses if they’re going to keep the family together during this critical time. They expect to be in Brisbane for at least a month, though experience has shown us that it’s likely to be much much longer.

I humbly ask that you find it in your heart to help, even in a small way, to keep Gabe’s family stay together while he fights for his life again. Your support will mean the world to him.

With love and gratitude,

Jackie