Curing Caleb

$980 donated

Given by 18 generous donors in around 10 months

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in June 2016, 5 year old Caleb is fighting a brave battle against this rare form of child cancer.

Waikato

+3 images

Caleb was only four years old when he was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma in 2016. Eversince Caleb's illness was discovered his treatment plan has been very aggressive and this brave little man has had to fight every step of the way.

To paint a quick picture of what he has been through to date, just try to imagine this:

✔2 double lumen Hickman lines put in

✔1 Picc line

✔6 x-rays

✔7 ultrasounds

✔3 MIBG scans

✔4 MRI scans

✔2 bone marrow aspirations

✔1 biopsy of the tumor

✔106 doses of GCSF

✔1 stem cell harvest

✔25 days of chemotherapy

✔10 days of high dose chemotherapy

✔76 infusions of chemotherapy

✔2 stem cell transplants

✔75 days of IV TPN feed

✔19 blood transfusions

✔huge 10.5 hour surgery to remove the tumor

✔temporary drain to reduce fluid build up

✔12 x general anesthetic

✔158 nights in hospital

Caleb also celebrated his 5th birthday in Starship Hospital.

It has been extremely hard on Caleb's family... They went from having the perfect life on a farm in Taupo, enjoying an outdoor lifestyle with both boys in Kindy, thriving and simply loving life to what only can be described as: a living nightmare!

Caleb is fighting for his life.

And, to make matters worse, his poor family has been split up as his mother, Rachael spends all her time by his side in Starship Hospital.

Sadly, this means that baby brother, Izak has had to move to Hamilton to live with their grandmother.

Father, Scott is holding the fort, still working full time and on his days off he travels to Auckland to visit plus has extra time off as needed. His employers have been amazing and very supportive, every step of the way.

Since the diagnosis in June last year they have been living out of suitcases as they never know when they might have to rush to hospital.

Caleb still has a long way to go... He has radiation therapy coming up soon which will be followed by immunotherapy if it is available to him. We remain hopeful!

This special family needs all the support they can get to help them through this scary journey.

A heartfelt 'THANK YOU' in advance to all our amazing & generous donors!

Follow Caleb's journey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/curingcaleb

Janelle Matchett's involvement (page creator)

Being a mother of two beautiful children, I simply can't comprehend what Rachael and Scott are going through. It breaks my heart and I just want to do a little something to help out... make their journey that tiny bit easier. Thank you to everyone for your support!