I never thought I would be writing this for this family.

Many of you know Byron — the 15-year-old pilot who flew around the world to raise awareness for children facing illness, resilience and hope. What most people don’t see is the man quietly behind every one of those flights.

Rob. Byron’s Dad.

Over the past few months, Rob had been experiencing unexplained symptoms (full body itch, fatigue) and increasing breathlessness that simply didn’t make sense. He pushed through, as dads often do. Last week his condition escalated and he was taken to Emergency. After urgent scans and testing, the family received the devastating news: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (update: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) ALK negative).

Doctors have identified a tumour 1/3 the size of his chest that is pressing on his lungs/heart and restricting airflow. Treatment must begin immediately.

The good news is that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is treatable with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hard reality is that treatment will be intensive, expensive (not all chemo medications are covered by Medicare) and will require Rob to step away from work while undergoing chemotherapy and recovery.

This diagnosis affects the entire family.

Jeni will also need to step away from work to take on the role of primary caregiver. The boys, who should be focused on school, flying, and simply being teenagers, will inevitably take on more responsibility at home as they support their dad and mum through this.

Like so many families facing cancer, the emotional toll is significant. The financial strain is also very real. Income will be reduced at the same time medical, infection control/cleaning products, parking, and household expenses increase.

This is not a family that asks for help. They have spent years giving — encouraging sick children, inspiring resilience, and showing up for others.

Now it is our turn to show up for them.

Funds raised will help cover:

• Medical and specialist costs

• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy (not covered by Medicare)

• Parking costs at the hospital so Jeni can get Byron from school due to him also being immunocompromised

• travel to specialist treatment appointments

• Loss of income during chemotherapy and long recovery

• Household expenses to keep the family stable during this time

Donations would mean the world to this family — even if it is simply the cost of a cup of coffee. If you are not in a position to donate, please consider sharing this page with your friends, workmates and family. Messages of support and other practical help are also deeply appreciated.

This will be a long journey for Rob and for those who love him. Any small act of kindness will go a long way.

Let’s rally around them the way they have rallied around so many others.

Thanks,

Maureen