In 2021, Raf, my nephew, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma – one of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer.

Raf's family were in limbo for a long time, and the reality was they didn’t know if he would make it through. His treatment included chemotherapy and radiation, surgeries, stem cell harvests and transplants and a type of immunotherapy medication known as Dinutuximab, at the Queensland Children's Hospital.

If it was not for his immunotherapy medication, Raf may not have achieved the same outcomes that he has today.

After 21 months, he received a successful remission outcome and finished his last round of treatment.

Raf will be turning 12 at the end of 2026 and continues to be cancer free.

. . . . . . .

Neuroblastoma is a complex and aggressive cancer affecting young children. The average age of diagnosis is just two years old and it is the leading cause of cancer death of children under five.

Only 50% of those children diagnosed with aggressive neuroblastoma will survive five years after diagnosis – and a third of those children that do survive will have long term side effects from their treatments. 

Your donation will support world class Australian research into developing less toxic, more effective treatments, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Every $ counts, so if you are in a position to donate - please do.

Maree Oaten