Liam was a bright and cheeky boy, full of laughter, courage, and an unwavering love for his dog, Billy. He was happiest playing cricket and soccer, always looking out for his mates. But at just six years old, Liam's world—and that of his family—changed forever.
One Saturday, Liam had a high temperature that wouldn’t come down, and his parents, Emma and Andrew, took him to the doctor. What started as a precautionary visit quickly escalated. After being sent to the Women's and Children's Hospital, routine blood tests revealed a devastating truth—Liam had leukaemia.
A World Turned Upside Down
“There is nothing that prepares you for this,” says Emma. “Never in your wildest thoughts do you think your child will get cancer—EVER.” In an instant, their little boy was facing an unimaginable battle.
Cancer didn’t just impact Liam—it changed the entire family’s world. Hospital visits became the new normal, and daily life revolved around treatment and uncertainty. Emotionally and financially, the toll was immense. One parent had to stop working for nearly five years out of Liam’s eight-year fight, making an already difficult situation even more challenging.
Finding Support Through the Childhood Cancer Association
In the first blurry week at the hospital, Emma and her family were introduced to the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA). The support they received was immediate and invaluable. “I remember feeling so grateful for the bag of essentials they gave us—things we didn’t have time to pack or even realise we needed,” Emma recalls.
Over the years, CCA became a lifeline. From financial support to counselling, standing by Liam’s family through every stage of his journey. Their eldest son, Noah, found solace in the SIBS program, which connected siblings of children with cancer, helping him manage his emotions and understand he wasn’t alone.
Losing Liam
When Liam’s diagnosis became terminal, Emma was grateful for the professional support of the CCA counselling. “Even though Liam didn’t know the full extent of his diagnosis, having counselling helped him process what was happening,” she says. For the family, those counselling sessions provided a space to express their grief and fears.
Losing Liam was the hardest thing they have ever faced. “It changes you as a person and as a family,” Emma shares.
Why Pledge 450 is Critical for Families Like Liam’s
Emma cannot imagine what their journey would have been like without the Childhood Cancer Association. “The hospital bag, SIBS program, financial help, counselling, and (respite accommodation) Bradley’s Place—the support is enormous when you’re going through the worst time possible.”
That’s why Pledge 450 is so important. By pledging just $450, you can directly help families facing the unthinkable. Whether it’s funding essential support services, counselling, or respite accommodation, your contribution ensures that no family fights childhood cancer alone.
By supporting Pledge 450, you’re giving families like the Dunn’s the support they need during the most difficult time of their lives.
