Baby's heartbreaking diagnosis days before first birthday
A family is reeling after their baby son was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just days before his first birthday and the community is raising funds to support his devastated parents.
William Wheeler was diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma Cancer 21 days before his first birthday on January 31.
The little boy is currently in the intensive unit at the Queensland Children’s Hospital while his parents Lauren and Joe anxiously wait.
A GoFundMe page was set up to support the family on January 11.
“Our beautiful baby boy has just had another emergency surgery,” Dad Joe Wheeler posted on the GoFundMe page over the weekend.
He wrote that doctors were unable to stabilise baby William’s breathing and were forced to drain fluid detected outside his lungs.
“It breaks my heart to see my tiny baby going through so much,” Mr Wheeler wrote.
“But still at the same time we are so thankful for what we have.
“Cancer has brought challenges I never thought possible.”
The community has come together to support William’s parents who are unable to work while they take him to medical appointments and care for their other two sons Ryan and Sam.
“William has undergone several surgeries at this stage with struggles along the way and is now currently relying on a ventilator,” Vicki Sonter, administrator of the GoFundMe page wrote.
“Dad Joe being a sole trader for the family is currently unable to work due to the circumstances of William’s condition.
“Any support during this time would be appreciated.
“William has the fight of his life on his hands.
“But he’s strong and has so much love.”
The GoFundMe page has raised over $6000 towards a $10,000 goal.
