“Hearing your child has cancer is your absolute worst nightmare. This was our reality.”
In July 2020, the Wells family from Lismore were given the devastating news that their seven-year-old son, Reece was diagnosed with Acute Promyolocytic Leukaemia (APML).
After bruises kept appearing on Reece, the family took him to the local hospital. One hour later, they were rushed to Brisbane by ambulance.
During their 28-day stay at the hospital, Reece’s Mum Mandy met a family who told them about Childhood Cancer Support.
We were blessed to meet a lovely family who were in the room next door who told us about Childhood Cancer Support. I called and they said we have an apartment you can move into straight away.”
“I was so shocked walking into this beautiful two-bedroom apartment that had everything we needed, free of charge. For the next eight months, this was home for our family of five.”
“We had constant support from a family social worker, transport to and from the hospital, food delivered each week, a playground for the kids and wonderful families who were going through the same things we were. Not having to worry about accommodation has been a true blessing and we are forever grateful to them.”
In early 2021, Reece successfully finished his treatment and was able to travel home. For the next year, Reece had to undergo regular tests and procedures to check he was still in remission. During this time, the Wells family travelled to Brisbane and were able to stay in the short-term accommodation in South Brisbane.
“Not having to worry about accommodation has been a true blessing and we are forever grateful to them.”
