At just 5 years old, little Vinnie is once again fighting for his life.
After previously battling leukemia with incredible bravery, Vinnie is now back in hospital undergoing intensive treatment after devastating news that his cancer has returned.
Over the past four weeks, this young boy has endured more than most people could ever imagine. Chemotherapy and cancer treatments have caused a series of severe complications including sepsis, a blood clot in his jugular vein, unstable chemical levels, enlarged organs, unbearable pain, toxic bilirubin levels, fungal infection in his bloodstream and serious inflammation of the bowels.
Since being admitted to hospital, Vinnie has endured countless medications, two stays in PICU, more than 15 blood products, CT scans, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, x-rays and three surgeries.
Yet despite all of this, his family continue hearing some of the most terrifying words a parent could ever hear:
“We don’t know for certain why this is happening.”
“We think it may be from…”
“From where we stand, we’re worried.”
Doctors currently expect Vinnie will remain in hospital for at least another month while they try to stabilise his condition enough for him to resume treatment.
Today, the family also received more heartbreaking news. Doctors have confirmed Vinnie has a rare genetic condition which makes him far more vulnerable to developing leukemia and blood cancers than most children.
With this diagnosis, alongside everything already discovered, doctors have now diagnosed Vinnie with MDS progressing to AML.
The treatment ahead is enormous.
Vinnie will require a bone marrow transplant, a gruelling process involving 5–6 weeks in hospital under strict infection control, followed by many more weeks of outpatient care and multiple hospital visits every week.
Doctors are currently searching for the best donor option possible, whether that be umbilical cord stem cells, an unrelated donor or a parent match.
While the road ahead is incredibly hard, there is still hope.
As heartbreaking as this diagnosis is, doctors believe this treatment offers Vinnie the chance at a cure.
Vinnie’s mum, who worked as a community nurse, resigned from her job following his diagnosis so she could be by his side full time. His dad has exhausted all paid leave and is now taking unpaid time off work to remain with his son during this critical stage.
Right now, this family is carrying an unimaginable emotional, mental and financial burden.
We are hoping to get support and funds to this family as quickly as possible to help take even a small amount of pressure off their shoulders during this incredibly difficult time. Alongside financial support, we would also love to help provide ready made meals and essentials for the family so they can focus all their energy on being there for Vinnie.
Every donation, share, message or prayer means more than words can describe.
Please keep brave little Vinnie and his family in your thoughts as they prepare for the biggest battle of his young life.