Rocky’s Next Fight
Donation protected
I've known the Sefo family for years Rony and Kara, daughter Giselle and son Rocky. Kara and I were pregnant together and she welcomed her second child, a beautiful boy in October 2017. When Rocky was only seven months old the Sefo family got news that any parent would dread. Their little baby Rocky was diagnosed with the genetic form of Retinoblastoma, an eye cancer. He started Chemo the following week for a grueling six months. When a close friend goes through something of this nature you can't help but think "this could of happened to my baby". You hear the stories and until they are closer to home, it's easy to be unaware or forget about the hardship that some families are facing. Watching Rocky's journey and his suffering throughout the past couple of years has been heart wrenching. The family has stayed strong and brave but their worst nightmare is continuing.
Retinoblastoma is described as a rare type of eye cancer that can affect young children, usually under the age of five. Retinoblastoma also has the risk of moving to the optic nerve which could cause a brain tumour. The six months of chemo managed to stop the growth in Rocky's right eye but unfortunately the left eye could not be saved.
Within just one week between treatments and tests the cancer had advanced so much that it became a high probability it would move outside of his eye. In March 2020 Rocky had to have his left eye removed. With the eye removed the Sefo family was hoping it was the end of this ordeal, unfortunately the family has found out that Rocky needs an additional six months of chemo. This second round started in July 2020 and they are in the thick of it now and it’s been absolutely debilitating to the family.
The family's resources are strapped after fighting this for almost two years. The emotional, physical and financial toll is hard to imagine. All I can ask is that you donate, with what is within your means. Every donation helps this family. The impact on a financial scale during his last round of chemo was approx. $30,000 when adding up travel expenses, time off work and other related costs. They have not been able to financially recover from the first round of chemo and all related treatments. Any help on this front would be most appreciated by the family to help them get through this difficult time.
The Sefo family is also passionate in raising awareness about this rare condition. Please share Rocky's story to assist them. As with any cancer the sooner it is detected and treated the better the outcome will be. There is a simple test every family can do by just taking a picture of your child's eyes. By taking a photo with the flash on you can notice the difference in the eyes and take your concerns to your doctor for medical advice.
Retinoblastoma is described as a rare type of eye cancer that can affect young children, usually under the age of five. Retinoblastoma also has the risk of moving to the optic nerve which could cause a brain tumour. The six months of chemo managed to stop the growth in Rocky's right eye but unfortunately the left eye could not be saved.
Within just one week between treatments and tests the cancer had advanced so much that it became a high probability it would move outside of his eye. In March 2020 Rocky had to have his left eye removed. With the eye removed the Sefo family was hoping it was the end of this ordeal, unfortunately the family has found out that Rocky needs an additional six months of chemo. This second round started in July 2020 and they are in the thick of it now and it’s been absolutely debilitating to the family.
The family's resources are strapped after fighting this for almost two years. The emotional, physical and financial toll is hard to imagine. All I can ask is that you donate, with what is within your means. Every donation helps this family. The impact on a financial scale during his last round of chemo was approx. $30,000 when adding up travel expenses, time off work and other related costs. They have not been able to financially recover from the first round of chemo and all related treatments. Any help on this front would be most appreciated by the family to help them get through this difficult time.
The Sefo family is also passionate in raising awareness about this rare condition. Please share Rocky's story to assist them. As with any cancer the sooner it is detected and treated the better the outcome will be. There is a simple test every family can do by just taking a picture of your child's eyes. By taking a photo with the flash on you can notice the difference in the eyes and take your concerns to your doctor for medical advice.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Thompson
Organizer
Cameron Park NSW
Kara Sefo
Beneficiary
