Riley's Story
2004
Riley's story begins on the 30th of March 2004.
Longreach – September 2005
In September 2005, At just 20 months old Riley began experiencing
numerous health issues, including conjunctivitis and persistent crying
due to apparent pain. One morning as the family was getting ready for
Riley’s older brother's birthday party, his mother noticed something out
of the ordinary with her son. Riley’s left eye had completely shut. Riley's family
sought medical assistance; however, she was reassured by doctors that
his symptoms were likely caused by a minor condition. Over the following week, Riley’s health did not improve, and he was referred to an ophthalmologist in Rockhampton.
Riley underwent a CT scan, and doctors initially advised that nothing serious was detected. His eye was patched, as medical professionals believed he may have had a lazy eye. Despite these measures, his family observed no improvement. Riley was fitted with glasses, yet his condition remained unchanged. Trusting their instincts, Riley's parents believed something was seriously wrong and pressed for further investigation. With the support of their family, they advocated for Riley to receive an emergency MRI scan.
Riley and his family travelled to Brisbane, where an ophthalmologist reviewed the MRI results.
15 December 2005
On 15 December 2005, the family's world was shattered. Doctors discovered that Riley had a rare and life-threatening brain tumour known as brainstem glioma. They were informed that Riley was likely to have only six months left to live. His family was advised to cherish the upcoming Christmas, as it would likely be their last with their beloved little boy.
Riley was admitted to hospital immediately and commenced chemotherapy shortly thereafter. What was expected to be a one-week stay in Brisbane became an extended and ongoing treatment journey. Riley and his family never returned home to Longreach. Riley was placed on two chemotherapy treatments simultaneously. Within the first few weeks, he experienced severe side effects, including a life-threatening allergic reaction that required emergency care and a blood transfusion. Despite what Riley's body was going through this never stopped him. Time and again, Riley demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
2007
In early 2007, Riley now reached a significant milestone that no medical professional saw coming. Riley made his way down the halls of Mater Children's Hospital and rang the cancer bell, marking the completion of his treatment. What was predicted to be six months left with Riley gradually extended to nine months, then one year, and beyond— reddening all medical odds.
December 2020
Although the shadow of his tumour remained, and the uncertainty never fully disappeared, Riley continued to persevere. He remained in remission for 14 years. When Riley was 17, then living in New Zealand the tumour returned. Once again, the tumour uprooted Riley's life. Riley endured treatment yet again with the same quiet strength he has shown his entire life. Through the struggles and side effects of chemo not once did Riley complain and ask why me, yet he continued to fight the good fight.
Riley shared a story from when he was first placed on chemotherapy.
“Mum shared a story with me of when I first went on chemotherapy at 20 months. It was only weeks into it when she was finding me constantly hospitalised on the verge of death with all the side effects of the chemo. The doctors told my mum to basically wrap me in bubble wrap as I had no immunity.I was in my pram. It has been raining and my sister and brother were running in the rain, sliding in mud having the times of their lives. I was latched in my pram pulling at my straps crying to let me out so I could play with my siblings. In a split second my mum made a life-altering choice to unstrap me out of the pram and let me go play in the mud with my siblings. I believe this split decision has had a crucial impact on my life. From that moment on I was going to live and nothing was going to stop me. Not many people would be able to tell I had a brain tumour as I never allowed it to limit me and hold me back.”
Today, Riley has been told the tumour has come back again for the third time.
This time, chemotherapy and radiation are not options, further treatment of that kind would be fatal. Surgery is Riley’s only remaining option.
As the tumour has progressed, it has begun to affect Riley physically. He has lost vision in his left eye and is now partially blind on that side. More recently, he has started to lose strength and muscle function on the left side of his body. These changes have been confronting, but Riley continues to face them with quiet courage.
Because of the tumour’s location in the brainstem, this surgery is extremely complex. The neurosurgeon willing and able to attempt it is Professor Charlie Teo, and the procedure must be performed in China. The total cost is $80,000, and the funds must be raised by March 1st in order for Riley to proceed.
Riley and his family need as much support as possible during this time. Please take a moment to visit and interact with his GoFundMe page. A fundraiser has been created to help cover the extremely high cost of Riley’s surgery. If you’re unable to donate, sharing Riley’s courageous story would mean so much and help spread the word.