20th October was our daughter Mia’s first birthday. 20th October was also the day we were told words that no parent should ever have to hear, “It is bad. Your daughter has a very large mass on her brain”.

Our world shattered into a million pieces and we will never, ever, be the same way again. Heartbreak, grief, and sorrow hit us like a fucking freight train. Before we were even told the news, I’ll never forget seeing my little baby in recovery after her MRI and hearing the nurse state they decided to scan her spine as well. I knew exactly in that moment what we were dealing with and fell to the floor. Having to then explain this realisation to Mia’s dad was incredibly difficult. Watching his heart break over and over before my eyes, I’ll never be able to erase it. I’m so sorry. The way you have carried our little family these past few days, I can never repay you.

What followed was a series of gut-wrenching events of being medically flown to Brisbane while grasping onto my child that very quickly felt so limp in my arms. Everything deteriorated so fast. All of a sudden every single moment was a fight for her life.

Our little girl underwent life-saving brain surgery on Wednesday night. We are in for the fight of our fucking lives, and we are still yet to be told whether there is an ongoing fight at all.

There are no words to describe that deep-rooted fear in your soul, the grief, and the amount of guilt you hold as parents knowing your child is suffering in this kind of way. We cannot comprehend how our amazing, resilient, groovy little girl is experiencing this and still smiling at us.

Mia, you are the single best thing to ever happen to us. You’ve brought us light, laughter, adventure and pure love. Your parents love you so fucking deeply. You are the happiest, cheekiest, most beautiful little darling, and we are so heartbreakingly sorry that this has become your story.

What we passionately know about you is that you’re incredibly resilient. You’re rarely upset, you laugh at everything, you thrive off adventure and food, and all you know in this world is pure love. We will fight every single day, to keep it this way for you.

Please keep us in your thoughts and pray to any gods you believe in. We need every ounce of support for our little girl. If you are able to support us financially, please know we are beyond grateful. Unfortunately due to me being a casual employee, I no longer have an income. These donations, however small, will help support our family financially with travel between our home in the Whitsundays and Brisbane, anything we need for Mia such as anything medical related, and ultimately help support our ability to give Mia the best possible life.