Hello, my name is Mon.

I am the Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) at Hincks Avenue Primary School and Long Street Primary School here in Whyalla. In my role, I provide guidance and support to students, staff, and families, with a focus on their social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. I offer a listening ear, provide emotional support, and help our school community navigate challenges such as grief, loss, or difficult family circumstances. I also assist families in accessing community services and resources, including mental health support and financial assistance. As a PCW, I adhere at all times to strict confidentiality guidelines and uphold professional ethics and legal requirements.

Today, I am setting up this GoFundMe page for one of my students and her family, who need our support.

Keyani’s Story

Keyani is a vibrant, caring nine-year-old girl who loves school and cherishes her friends. Right now, she and her family are facing an incredibly difficult time, and your help would mean the world to them.

Keyani’s health challenges began in 2016, when she was diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus (CMG). Over the years, her health issues have continued. In July 2023, Keyani received a life-changing diagnosis – a neuroblastoma tumour. Thankfully, the tumour was stable and successfully removed after six rigorous rounds of chemotherapy. The tumour weighed just over 1kg, a considerable burden for the body of a six-year-old child. (This was November 2023.) Keyani then spent the next fifteen months in hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy, finally returning home in February 2024.

Since then, Keyani has required regular check-ups and testing every three months in Adelaide. For a while, the results were positive. Sadly, on 14th January this year, this changed. Routine bloods and scans found abnormalities, sparking further investigation. Keyani underwent multiple tests, including ultrasounds, CT scans, an MRI, and a specialised MIBG scan, this scan is a specialised nuclear imaging scan used to detect Neuroendocrine Tumours. On 2nd February, a liver biopsy was performed, and on 4th February, Keyani and her parents, Adah and Steven, received devastating news: the cancer had returned. This time, it is a Stage 3 Neuroblastoma-M tumour in her liver, with tentacle-like growths and rapid progression. Keyani is also facing chronic kidney disease and ongoing heart issues. This has been a tremendous shock to Keyani’s family, as well as her classmates, teachers, and SSO’s, all of whom are devastated by the news of her illness and the challenges ahead.

How You Can Help

Keyani’s family are still recovering financially from her previous illness. Between accommodation in Adelaide (recently costing $1,500 per week), food for the family of five, petrol, vehicle maintenance, out-of-pocket medical bills, and household expenses, the costs have been overwhelming. Soon, Adah and Keyani will return to Adelaide to begin treatment, while Steven remains in Whyalla with Tucker and Hannah so the children can continue attending school and he can work. Steven will travel back and forth from Whyalla to Adelaide with Tucker and Hannah as often as possible, putting additional financial strain on the family.

This is why I am reaching out on their behalf for your support. Every donation over $2 is tax-deductible. Please note, GoFundMe deducts an additional 2.2% from each donation to cover administration costs.

It is a relief to share that Adah and Keyani have secured accommodation at Ronald McDonald House, which is a true blessing.

A Message from Adah and Steven:

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have no idea how much your donation will help – we love and appreciate you all.”

A Message from Me:

Thank you so much for wrapping your arms around this beautiful family during such a heartbreaking time. Every donation, every prayer, and every message reminds them they are not alone in this fight. Your support is easing their financial burden, but more importantly, you are lifting their spirits and giving them strength for the journey ahead.

Attached are photos of Keyani with her siblings, Tucker and Hannah – one taken in front of the State Library, and two others from her previous treatment. Sadly, she faces many of these challenges again.

Donations can be made to:

Adah Dunn

BSB: 805 050

Account Number: 102932364