Six-year-old Isaac lives in Victoria with his mum Marina, dad, William and nine-year-old sister, Madelyn (Maddy).

Isaac was diagnosed with B-cell Leukaemia at three years old. 

Before Isaac’s diagnosis, life was busy for the family with both parents working. Marina had just started working in construction and William as a lead and test engineer.  

“Our Isaac is a funny kid. He’s so bright, so bubbly, and loves playing with his Beyblades. Both kids do enjoy going to school and being around their friends – which is really important to them, and they get to play all day as well as learn which they love.” 

A month before Isaac was diagnosed, Marina took him to three different doctors.  

“He had a sore leg, was getting fevers, body aches and he was refusing to walk. I knew something wasn’t right. The doctors thought I was overreacting.”  

After a blood test, an oncologist broke the news and Isaac started chemotherapy the next day.  

“Nothing was registering in those first moments. We had to trust the doctors and the oncology team; we had to rely on them to guide us through Monash Children’s Hospital. They were amazing. We felt supported.” 

Isaac had to have a port put in his chest, which he didn’t react well to in the early stages of treatment. 

“Being so young and moving around a lot, Isaac wasn’t coping with treatment because it was uncomfortable for him having a needle in his chest 24 hours a day. I would remind him how brave he was and how much of an inspiration he was.”   

“The first year and a half was very tough. It was probably the toughest thing that I have ever had to endure because I was Isaac’s primary caregiver, William had to work, and we had a mortgage. It was also hard on my daughter because when I was away, my focus was just on Isaac. Sharing my time with her was difficult and the mum guilt was all too real, trying to balance the two kids.” 

Marina and William kept open communication throughout Isaac’s treatment.  

“Due to COVID, there was only one parent allowed in the hospital room at a time so William and I would call each other to do a swap. We would have a quick catch-up chat, checking in on each other, how Maddy was doing and what else I might need to know. It was very tough, but we pushed through.” 

Marina’s parents supported the family where they could.  

“My parents used to come every day to help with cooking, cleaning, and looking after Maddy. They’ve been a huge support. Even during COVID times as well, they were there to help out where they could, and they wanted to be a part of it too. My children love their grandparents, and they are a big part of the kids’ lives. With everything that’s happened, there’s a whole new perspective on life for us as a family, we’re very close.” 

Marina was introduced to Redkite when she was given the Redkite Red Bag on arrival at the hospital.  

“It was just so nice and it’s how I first learned about Redkite. The Red Bag had everything in it we needed. It became our bag that was permanently in our car, going back and forth from hospital. It’s been amazing, the amount of support that we had. I was overwhelmed at the beginning, for the generosity and support. “ 

Redkite supported the family with financial assistance, helping with the cost of everyday bills. 

“The financial support we received was amazing. Redkite helped us pay some bills. We had vouchers to help with groceries, it all helped so much.  

“Redkite’s support made us feel so grateful to be in Australia, to have such generous people, who are willing to help you and not asking for anything in return.” 

“Redkite continues to support us…reaching out to see if we need anything, it’s just nice to feel like you haven’t been forgotten, that Redkite are still there to help. It has really made a difference to our family. We’ve gained a new perspective on life, knowing that Redkite has been there to support us right from the beginning, from the Red Bag up until now.” 

Isaac finished chemotherapy in April 2024 and has returned to school, starting year one in 2025. 

“We’ve started to slowly introduce him to sport. He’s just started basketball this season as well to bring out his confidence and get his strength up. He’s doing swimming too. He’s made friendships at school, which is great.”