Patrick's Story
Patrick is an energetic boy, who whenever possible loves to play outside. But at the end of 2014 Patrick spent many months in and out of hospital having treatment for cancer.
Patrick was diagnosed with High Risk Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2014 at the age of four. He had a tumour in his leg that had metastasised to his lymph nodes in his groin.
Following his diagnosis, Patrick was transferred to hospital in Auckland and started chemotherapy treatment.
Support through treatment
With the support of his family, mum Amy, dad Aaron and little sister Caeley, Patrick spent the next 16 months in and out of hospital for chemotherapy treatment, which also included daily injections to help his white blood cells recover before the next chemotherapy dose was administered.
In April last year, Patrick had surgery to remove the muscle in his right thigh that was encasing the tumour and to alsotake one of the lymph nodes from his groin.
“Patrick had an NG tube, so received the majority of nutrients he needed to survive through liquid food. He recently had the last part of his treatment, which was a course of radiation to his leg and groin area in addition to the regular chemotherapy,” Amy says.
Throughout the family’s cancer battle, they have received ongoing support from the Child Cancer Foundation.
“Child Cancer Foundation has been our rock throughout this journey! Through our amazingly caring, supportive Family Support Coordinator we have received emotional support whenever we need it plus financial help with travel and groceries.”
How you can help
The Child Cancer Foundation is a nationwide organisation that works hard to reduce the impact of cancer. A donation from you will help us provide the support families need from that terrible time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
Our support is powered by you.