A Sunshine Coast family is racing against time to raise $750,000 to save their six-year-old daughter’s life. Her parents are hoping 75,000 people will donate $10 each to reach the goal.
Tessa Perry is facing a devastating relapse of Stage 4 neuroblastoma. After years of intensive treatment – including chemotherapy, radiation, multiple surgeries and immunotherapy – her cancer has returned and is now spreading.
Specialists in Australia have advised her family there are no remaining curative treatment options available locally, leaving Tessa urgently needing access to potentially life-saving treatment overseas.
Despite the diagnosis, her mother Renee Perry says Tessa is so much more than her illness.
“Tessa is a bright, sassy, young girl who knows what she wants,” Renee says.
“She loves all things ‘girlie’ – makeup, wigs, crafting, glitter and the colour pink.
“She lights up a room with her laugh and personality. She is extremely kind and caring towards others and is a huge animal lover. She makes up songs and sings the days away.
“She was a typical little girl who idolises her big brother Remy.”
Tessa’s cancer journey began suddenly in November 2023.
“In November 2023, she presented with a limp and within three days refused to walk,” Renee says.
“After taking her to our GP, they advised us to head to the emergency department. After hours of waiting, one ultrasound sent us straight to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where our world as we knew it ended.”
Since then, Tessa has undergone every available treatment option in Australia. The family is now seeking access to overseas clinical trials.
“There are neuroblastoma specialists with trials underway now and we need their help,” Renee says.
“They are leaps ahead of treatments in Australia. Unfortunately, none of these trials are available in Australia and we don’t have years to wait for them to get here.”
The toll on the family is profound.
“It has affected every aspect of our life – not just Tessa’s: her big brother Remy’s as well,” Renee says.
“We only get to see Darren, Tessa’s dad, on weekends. You live in a constant survival state. I wouldn’t wish this ‘oncology’ life on anyone.”
Despite the challenges, Renee says the community response has been overwhelming.
“We have been blown away by the community response,” she says.
“It truly has swept us off our feet. To be seen is truly uplifting.
“It’s keeping our hope up.”
To support Tessa’s fight, visit the fundraising page at gofund.me/74547fe5f
