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General News

22 April, 2022

Cairns Family Fights Battle A Long Way From Home

IN September 2021, Eloise Spear’s grandma noticed a small lump on the side of her two-year-old granddaughter’s head, which steadily grew as they monitored it over the next two weeks.


Cairns-based family, the Spears, are receiving support from the Children’s Hospital Foundation while they get treatment for Eloise in Brisbane
Cairns-based family, the Spears, are receiving support from the Children’s Hospital Foundation while they get treatment for Eloise in Brisbane

After a trip to the GP and her local emergency room, her family, who lived in Cairns, were advised that she needed to see specialists at Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. 

The family hopped on a flight the following day, and they haven’t been home since. Three weeks later, Eloise was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a very rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue. 

By the time of diagnosis, her tumour had tripled in size, so chemotherapy and treatment started straight away. 

This treatment has seen her undergo an eight-hour surgery involving three teams of surgeons from plastic surgery, ENT and neurology, to remove as much of the tumour as possible. 

Eloise is now three years old. 

The family remains in Brisbane, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for Eloise’s cancer – a journey that her mum, Jessica Spear, said has been difficult on Eloise. 

“Eloise has struggled with new treatments and procedures that she requires, but her resilience and bright spirit have blown us away,” Ms Spear said. 

Eloise Spear, age 3, is battling a rare rhabdomyosarcoma
Eloise Spear, age 3, is battling a rare rhabdomyosarcoma

“She adapted to treatment so quickly and is so proud of herself when she finishes a central line dressing change, which is quite traumatic for her… she throws her arm up for the blood pressure cuff without skipping a beat now! 

“When you hear the words ‘it is cancerous’ come out of a clinician’s mouth when they talk about your child, it feels like the world stands still. 

“It felt like all the dreams we had for Eloise were shattered.” With the family not returning to Cairns until the end of the year, Children’s Hospital Foundation has supported the family while they’re so far from home. 

“I am so thankful for the Foundation for giving back some of those carefree and joyous childhood memories to the girls – I truly believe they are the heart and soul of the hospital,” Ms Spear said. 

“Every staff member at the hospital makes us feel valued and cared for, but their primary job is to make Eloise better, whereas the Foundation supports them by allowing the kids to feel like kids again throughout the whole process.” 

Eloise and her family want to encourage locals to donate to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation. In the past year, more than 462 admissions to the Queensland Children’s Hospital were children from the Cairns region. 

Children’s Hospital Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer, Olivia Jary, said money raised through the Nine Telethon would fund vital medical research, life-saving medical equipment, and patient and family support services for sick kids and their families across Queensland. 

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us work wonders for sick kids just like Eloise,” Ms Jary said. 

“It’s never easy having a seriously ill or injured child, which can sometimes be made harder for those living in regional areas, who have to travel long distances for treatment and medical appointments.” 

“The Telethon allows us to help families get back on their feet by funding ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art equipment, and patient and family support at Queensland Children’s Hospital.” 

To donate to the Nine Telethon, visit 9telethon.com.au or call 1800 909 900. 

The Telethon will be broadcast live at 7pm on Saturday, April 23, from the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

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