Triton: A Little Warrior Facing Leukemia.2115

I never thought I would be sharing a story like this or asking for help. Yet, as of September 11, 2025, our lives changed forever. Our little boy, Triton

, our happy, vibrant child, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Triton had been acting differently in the weeks leading up to his diagnosis. On

August 28, 2025, we took him to the hospital because he had fevers and was reluctant to use one of his legs. The doctors admitted him for three days, running a series of tests, including putting him under anesthesia for an

MRI. They initially suspected a stress fracture in his leg, but during this process, they also discovered he was anemic. At that time, the anemia wasn’t severe, so we were discharged with a

boot on his left leg and instructions to monitor him at home.

Back at home, Triton’s condition did not improve. His fevers persisted, and he was becoming noticeably pale. On

September 9, 2025, during a well-child visit, I expressed concerns to his pediatrician about his lack of appetite and paleness. Blood tests revealed his hemoglobin (HMG) levels had dropped to 5
, an alarming level that required immediate intervention. That same night, Triton received two blood transfusions to stabilize him.

The following day, on September 10, Triton was put under anesthesia again so the doctors could collect

bone marrow samples to investigate why his blood levels were dropping. For us, every test, every procedure was nerve-wracking, yet we hoped it was something manageable—something treatable.

Then came the day that changed everything. On

September 11, we received the results. Triton had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a diagnosis no parent ever expects to hear. In an instant, our world shifted. The pain in his leg that was thought to be a stress fracture turned out to be a

side effect of his bone weakening from leukemia. Suddenly, the worry and fatigue we’d noticed in him made sense—but the weight of the diagnosis was overwhelming.

The very next day, Triton underwent a procedure to have a

port placed in his chest to begin treatment. The road ahead is daunting: six months of aggressive chemotherapy, followed by three years of less-intensive treatment, with countless hospital visits, transfusions, and monitoring.

As his parents, we are committed to being by his side every step of the way. But the reality is difficult. I am unable to work while caring for him and our two younger children. Gas, food, and transportation are challenging, especially since we live

over an hour from the hospital. Public transportation is offered, but I cannot safely place my one-year-old on a bus every day while trying to care for Triton. Every day presents logistical, emotional, and financial challenges that we are still processing.

We are reaching out for help because we need support to ensure Triton can focus on fighting leukemia without our family falling apart from exhaustion and financial stress. Every small donation, share, or word of encouragement helps us keep going. It allows us to cover travel costs, food, accommodations, and essentials while we dedicate ourselves fully to Triton’s care.

Triton is just a little boy, yet his courage is extraordinary. Even in the face of hospital visits, transfusions, and the fear that comes with each new test, he remains playful, smiling, and full of life. His bravery inspires us daily, reminding us why we must fight alongside him. Our goal is to give him

the best chance to beat this disease, to help him continue to be the joyful, energetic child who fills our lives with love and laughter.

This journey will be long and challenging, but we are determined. We are asking the community for support—not only for practical needs like transportation and food, but for

hope and solidarity during this unimaginable time. Every message of encouragement, every shared story, and every donation reinforces that we are not alone and that Triton has a village rallying behind him.

Our lives will never be the same, but with your help, Triton can have the focus, care, and resources he needs to fight leukemia. He is our little warrior, our brave boy, and the center of our world. We want nothing more than to give him the chance to grow, thrive, and experience life fully.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and praying for Triton. Every bit of support brings hope, light, and strength to our family during this battle.

Lucy’s Courage: Finding Joy Amid the Fight Against Cancer.1613

Three-year-old Lucy was a bright, energetic little girl who loved Barbie, imaginative play, and filling her home with laughter. But one night, as she was getting ready for bed, her mum Sarah noticed an unusual lump on her ribcage — a moment that changed their lives forever.

“As soon as I saw it, I had a terrible feeling that this was something very serious,” Sarah recalls. The next morning, fearing the worst, she rushed Lucy to their GP, who immediately ordered a chest x-ray. By 11 a.m., Lucy had been rushed to the children’s hospital. “The GP told me to pack a bag and go now,” Sarah remembers. “Scans showed a suspicious mass on her ribs, as well as lesions in her lungs. It all happened so quickly; it was surreal.”

Multiple scans and biopsies confirmed the family’s worst fears: Lucy had Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive childhood bone cancer that had already spread to her lungs, dramatically reducing her chances of cure. “Everything changed in the blink of an eye. One minute Lucy was playing with her brother and sister, the next she was fighting for her life,” Sarah says.

Despite the shock, Lucy’s parents focused on what they could control. “I knew I needed to be strong and guide little Lucy through this nightmare, so I put on my big girl pants and just got on with it — one step at a time,” Sarah recalls.

Lucy began treatment immediately, spending much of the next two years in the hospital. She endured 22 cycles of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The side effects were relentless: a weakened immune system left her vulnerable to infections including COVID-19, along with bacterial and fungal infections, seizures, pneumonia, gastrointestinal inflammation, and life-threatening heart damage. “Lucy was so unwell and in so much pain. Our family felt trapped in a chaotic cycle of hospital visits, complications, and living in constant fear of the unknown,” Sarah says.

Hospitalization was isolating. Lucy missed time at home with her big sister Grace, eight, and brother Billy, four. “She would often stare out the hospital window and tell stories about what she planned to do when she got home,” Sarah recalls. “It was a very sad and lonely time for her.”

Amid the pain and isolation, Starlight Children’s Foundation brought light to Lucy’s dark days. “The Captain Starlights were often the only visitors Lucy saw. They brought laughter and entertainment to her hospital room, making long days just a little easier,” Sarah says.

When she was well enough, Lucy loved visiting the Starlight Express Room to play, laugh, and escape the hospital environment. She spent hours doing crafts, having her nails and face painted, and watching movies on the big screen. Most importantly, she loved seeing the Captains. “They always made her laugh and laugh,” Sarah says. “She would drag her IV pole chasing them around — she was unstoppable.”

One unforgettable moment came when Hollywood star Margot Robbie, dressed head-to-toe in sparkly pink, made a surprise visit to the Starlight Express Room. Lucy, a Barbie fanatic, was overjoyed to meet her. “Margot complimented Lucy on her outfit and gave her a big hug,” Sarah recalls. “It was magical, especially after everything Lucy had endured in the hospital.”

After countless challenges, Lucy was granted her Starlight Wish. She wished for a family holiday near the beach, with a pool to splash in with Grace and Billy, and, most importantly, to fly on a plane. The trip to Far North Queensland was a dream come true. For two years, Lucy had been unable to swim, so the chance to enjoy the pool and the beach was a transformative experience. “She swam until her fingers went wrinkly!” Sarah laughs. They explored the Great Barrier Reef, spotted crocodiles, and enjoyed water slides — creating precious memories far from the hospital.

Now six years old and in remission, Lucy’s life is filled with activity and play. She is mastering handstands, roller skating, digging in the sandpit, and swimming without floaties. While she still has regular checkups, her joy and resilience shine brighter than ever.

“Lucy was robbed of two years of her childhood,” Sarah reflects. “But Starlight provided so many bright moments during those dark days. The joy and laughter the Captains bring are vital for children’s mental health and wellbeing. Meeting Margot Robbie — a real-life Barbie — in the Starlight Express Room was definitely a highlight for us.”

Lucy’s story is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the transformative power of play and joy in the midst of life-threatening illness. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope, laughter, and imagination can light the way.