Main fundraiser photo

Thabo's Battle

THABO’S MUM NEEDS YOUR HELP THROUGH HIS BRAIN TUMOUR BATTLE
 
Thabo’s mum needs your help. Thabo is 11 years old and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour (Brainstem DIPG – see more information below) in Oct 2017. He has had some radiation treatment but was only given 9 months to live, 9 months ago.
 
Thabo and his mum live in Palmerston, Northern Territory of Australia. Thabo was always a happy, gentle boy with a big smile on his face, who loved to sing and dance.
 
Thabo has now been moved to palliative care.  He has no control or movement over his body, apart from some slight movement in his head and his eyelids. He often gets cramps through his body which he has to rely on those around him to help massage and soothe. He can still hear and understands what he is hearing. He uses his eyes and gentle head movements to communicate.
 
Thabo is the only child of a wonderful, strong Zimbabwean woman, Ayanda, who is in Australia on a 444 Visa that does not allow her to receive government assistance. Sadly, this means that she is forced to work during the day and then rushes back to be with Thabo in the final stages of his life. No parent should have to go through the trauma of a child with a terminal illness, let alone not being able to spend the final, precious time together as mother and son.

This Go Fund Me has been set up to lessen the financial burden for Thabo’s mum which will enable her to take leave from work so that she can spend what time is left to be with Thabo. A small portion will be used to assist with funeral costs. Ayanda would like to pass on any remaining funds to research DIPG in Australia, which may eventually lead to a cure to help other children in need:

The Isabella and Marcus Foundation https://www.isabellaandmarcusfoundation.org/research 
The Cure Brain Cancer Foundation http://www.curebraincancer.org.au/ 
The Brain Tumour Alliance Australia https://www.btaa.org.au/ 
 
What is a DIPG?
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs) are the most aggressive and deadly of all childhood cancers. They are described as 'terminal on diagnosis', which means there is no cure, no effective treatment and no hope of survival. Surgery is impossible, and most children succumb to the disease within one year. Over the last 30 years, almost nothing has changed for DIPG patients in terms of treatment or outcome.

 DIPGs originate in the brainstem; an area deep within the lower part of the brain which is responsible for a number of critical bodily functions, such as breathing, sleeping and blood pressure.

Donations 

  • N T
    • $5 
    • 5 yrs

Fundraising team: Thabo's Battle (3)

Giselle Westgarth
Organizer
Ayanda Sibanda
Team member
Vaughan Westgarth
Team member

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