In early February 2021, Paul and Kara's beautiful eight year old daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) - an aggressive blood cancer. It was a shock diagnosis with almost no warning signs. Ellie underwent an intensive seven-month chemotherapy program at the Kid’s Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital. She achieved remission and remained cancer-free for around 12 months. Ellie was doing so well, returning to school and enjoying getting back into a normal life as a kid in the eight months she had after being discharged from hospital.

Unfortunately, in early April 2022, Ellie relapsed. This time, her cancer is in the brain, cerebral spinal fluid, and blood. Ellie now has a longer and harder road ahead of her which includes more chemotherapy, and unfortunately, a Bone Marrow Transplant. Ellie’s treatment is further complicated by the presence of cancer in the brain. Her treatment plan is predicated on how she responds at each step and there will be other treatments which are not yet entirely understood.

In the longer term, Paul, Kara, Annabelle, and Ellie will all need our love and support to help them along the journey ahead.

So many of the Carter family's friends and family have expressed a desire to help, but don't know how or where to start. Given Ellie’s relapse and the need for a Bone Marrow Transplant, we know that her recovery will be complicated and will continue well beyond her time in hospital. This fundraiser will provide support to her ongoing education, physical rehabilitation, and any other treatment she might need in the future. We hope this campaign can provide support to the Carter family and one day bring a smile to Ellie's face.

Paul and Kara will keep you updated along the way and you can read about Ellie's journey via the 'Cheering on our Ellie' blog page https://posthope.org/cheering-on-our-ellie