Keira and Rhani

Hi all,

On the 30th of November 2022, my 10-year-old cousin Keira was diagnosed with brain cancer. She was flown from her home in Canberra to Sydney Royal Children’s Hospital on the same night of her diagnosis alongside her mum, Rhani. Keira and Rhani lived in the Ronald McDonald Charity housing in Randwick for 120 days whilst Keira underwent treatment. In that 120 days, Keira had multiple surgeries on her brain, spent many nights in the hospital and started chemotherapy. Unfortunately, after 5 rounds of chemotherapy, doctors confirmed that the chemo was not stopping the growth of her tumour. With little options left, she has now begun a medical trial and continues to go between Canberra and Sydney for appointments.

In the same week that Keira was diagnosed with brain cancer, Rhani located a lump in her breast. After postponing her own appointments due to Keira's condition, she finally got in to see a specialist. With further testing, they located two tumours in her breast. She had surgery to remove the tumours, which was successful. However, unfortunately, the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and she found out after the surgery that she will need to begin chemotherapy of her own immediately.

Rhani is a single mum to Keira and in this last 4 months she has had to deal with the news of Keira's diagnosis, whilst also managing the challenges of her own illness. Rhani has not been able to work during the time she has been in Sydney and as she is now commencing chemotherapy, she is unable to return to her job. I am hoping to raise funds to support Rhani and Keira during this time to relieve at least some of the stressors that have been brought on by this series of extremely unfortunate events.

Rhani will lose her hair as the result of the chemotherapy and my mother (her sister) and I (her niece) have elected to both shave our hair with her in support. This will be happening in a few weeks time.

I appreciate any help you are able to provide and on behalf of my family we thank you.