Following a thorough evaluation by the paediatric team in Geelong, Henry was referred to The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne where he underwent a battery of tests, including scans and biopsies.

In the midst of the holiday season, Henry started his first round of chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, in early February 2023, Henry's condition was elevated to high-risk, a sobering reality that intensified the journey. This was also when challenging dietary changes became a part of Henry's daily routine.

A daunting battle lay ahead for Henry and our family, one fraught with the promise of relentless challenges and uncertainty. The treatment path prescribed involved multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy to reduce the tumour’s size, followed by surgery and further therapies, including radiation and immunotherapy. In the midst of the holiday season, Henry started his first round of chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, in early February 2023, Henry's condition was elevated to high-risk, a sobering reality that intensified the journey. This was also when challenging dietary changes became a part of Henry's daily routine.
 

A daunting battle lay ahead for Henry and our family, one fraught with the promise of relentless challenges and uncertainty. The treatment path prescribed involved multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy to reduce the tumour’s size, followed by surgery and further therapies, including radiation and immunotherapy.  Henry developed fluid in his lungs and a low blood count which made breathing and mobility unbearably difficult. 

After additional scans Henry had a surgical procedure to place a drain tube in his lung. His condition improved, but he remained confined to his hospital room. Henry struggled with isolation and the challenges of a no-fat diet which was prescribed to keep the fluid from building in his lungs. 

Despite the small gains in Henry's health, scheduled testing revealed the presence of more cancer within his fragile body. Scans unveiled secondary neuroblastoma growths in his right leg, both lungs, left lymph node, and spine – metastases that had emerged since the initial December diagnosis. This devastating development catapulted Henry into the high-risk category, requiring an even more intense treatment regimen. 

Tragically, on the 26th of March 2023, our brave little hero, Henry, could no longer withstand the relentless onslaught of Neuroblastoma.

Henry's legacy stands as a testament to his remarkable spirit. Throughout his journey, he exemplified courage, love, and unwavering resilience, imparting upon us the priceless lesson of treasuring every moment and facing life's challenges with unyielding determination.

Henry's wisdom was truly exceptional for his young age, especially considering the difficult challenges he was going through. He consistently showed great strength, a positive attitude, and an infectious sense of humour. Henry endured his own pain quietly, driven by his protective nature for those he loved especially his mother and sister. Although he was only 7 years old, Henry possessed a profound grasp of life's difficulties.