PARKER O’Bree is a bubbly 11-month old, and he is about to start one of the biggest battles in his life: his fight against a rare cancer.
Parker was recently diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Wilms’ tumour (also known as nephroblastoma).
Parker is one of the five per cent of children to develop tumours – 10 centimetres each – on both kidneys.
The cancer cells have also spread to his lungs.
Parker started his first round of chemotherapy treatment on Saturday.
According to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne, where Parker is being treated – Wilms’ tumours are found in children of all ages, but most those under five.
“The tumour usually develops in only one kidney. Rarely it occurs in both kidneys,” A statement on RCH’s Childrens Cancer Centre website said.
Parker and his parents, Ri Green and Shaun O’Bree have immediately relocated from Swan Hill to the RCH, for at least a year of hospitalisation and treatments.
This means they will be four hours away from their home, friends and family, and away from big sister, Ella O’Bree, who is unable to be with her family due to the Covid lockdowns.
And, it’s also unlikely that Parker will be able to meet his little brother, who is due to arrive today (Tuesday) via cesearan.
“Ri’s pregnancy has already had its complications, with Parker’s little brother unexpectedly having to be delivered early,” Kelly Weaver said on the GoFundMe page set up for Parker.
“Parker’s family will be separated whilst Ri is in a different hospital having Parker’s little brother and recovering herself.
“It is unknown exactly how long the O’Bree family will be separated for, because of Parker being immunocompromised due to his radiation therapy, the uncertainty of Parker’s little brother’s health because of being premature, and the distance between Parker’s big sister as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns.”
Ms Green’s extended family have set up a GoFundMe page to help the O’Bree family with the relocation to Melbourne, bills, family support and living expenses.
“The best way we can all help is to relieve the financial stress, so Ri and Shaun are able to focus on what is important, Parker’s health and their new baby,” Ms Weaver said.
“Let’s show Ri, Shaun, Ella, Parker, and little bub how much we love them.”
To donate to the GoFundMe head to gofundme.com and search for Parker O’Bree’s Fight Against Nephroblastoma or directly below.
