A Sunshine Coast family is racing against time to give their six-year-old daughter, Tessa, a chance at life, as the community rallies behind an ambitious campaign to raise $750,000 for life-saving treatment overseas.
Tessa has been fighting high-risk Stage 4 neuroblastoma – one of the most aggressive childhood cancers – for more than 800 days.
Diagnosed at just four years old, she has endured two bone marrow transplants, countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, multiple surgeries and intensive immunotherapy.
Now, after a devastating relapse, doctors have told her family there may be no cure available in Australia.
Her parents, Renee and Darren, alongside older brother Remy, have been told that a promising treatment – CAR T-cell therapy – is available in Rome, but the cost is staggering.
Neuroblastoma Australia has quoted $750,000 to access the therapy, with treatment needed within the next three to six months.
In response, supporters have launched the “75,000 to Save Tessa” campaign, urging 75,000 people to donate just $10 and share Tessa’s story.
Among those backing the campaign is Maddi, a fellow Queensland Children’s Hospital mum whose three-year-old son Luca is currently battling leukaemia.
“I met Renee in the ward at Queensland Children’s Hospital,” Maddi said. “Even when she was having a hard time herself, she was always kind and helping others. That’s just who they are.”
Maddi said the cancer ward forms a unique bond between families who understand the unthinkable.
“You see parents supporting each other through their darkest days. Renee has always shown up for others, even while fighting for her own child.”
Tessa’s mum Renee has shared an emotional plea during Neuroblastoma Awareness Week, marking more than 815 days since her daughter’s diagnosis.
“That’s how long my daughter has been fighting for her life,” she wrote. “We have lost so many of Tessa’s fellow neuroblastoma warriors. Beautiful children. Devastated families. Futures that should never have been taken.”
“I am angry. I am heartbroken. Because there is a promising treatment – but it isn’t available in Australia.”
Despite everything she has endured, Tessa is described as bright, cheeky and creative, with a love for pink, crafting, makeup and changing her look with wigs. When she’s well enough, she enjoys trips to Kmart, Popmart and Miniso, proudly setting up slime stalls to share her creations.
Her dreams are heartbreakingly simple: sleeping in her own bed, splashing in the rain, swimming without fear of infection, and one day having a puppy.
After completing treatment earlier this year, the family had hoped to finally return home and start living again. But a scan revealed the cancer had returned – and it was spreading.
Now, every day is about making memories, love and moments that matter.
Families who have shared hospital corridors with Tessa and Renee describe her as a light in the darkest places.
“She is extraordinary,” wrote Simone, another childhood cancer parent. “Her smile and singing can lift an entire ward. She reminds everyone around her what courage truly looks like.”
Supporters say the goal is simple but urgent: share Tessa’s story, donate if possible, and help give her a chance that geography should not deny.
“Our children don’t have time to wait,” Renee said. “They need action. Now.”
Donations can be made via GoFundMe, and supporters are encouraged to share the campaign widely to help reach the goal of 75,000 donors.
Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/75000-people-to-save-tessa?cdn-cache=0
