Declan was a lively, spirited, and clever little boy whose energy brightened every space he entered. His contagious smile and unwavering sense of humor inspired those around him. However, just before turning four, his family received life-altering news. Declan was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a severe form of childhood cancer. Scans showed a tumor in his abdomen the size of his father’s fist, and the cancer had already spread to his bones and bone marrow. The gravity of the diagnosis left his parents, Kim and Simon, in disbelief, but from that moment, they resolved to fight alongside their son with all their strength.
The family’s journey commenced immediately at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth. Declan’s treatment was arduous, beginning with five intense cycles of chemotherapy aimed at shrinking the tumor and preventing further spread. Each session tested not only Declan’s physical strength but also his spirit. For a young child, enduring needles, medications, and the side effects of chemotherapy required extraordinary bravery. Throughout this ordeal, Kim and Simon worked diligently to maintain a sense of normalcy in Declan’s life, striving to provide comfort and routine whenever possible. However, daily activities became challenging. Declan had to forgo swimming, one of his favorite activities, as his weakened body could not handle the exertion. His younger brother, Brodie, also had to adapt to this new reality. “It wasn’t fair to take Brodie swimming while Declan just watched,” Kim recalls, highlighting the ripple effect cancer had on the entire family.
Following chemotherapy, Declan underwent a nine-hour surgical procedure to remove the tumor. The operation was complex, delicate, and fraught with risk, but Declan’s determination and the expertise of his medical team saw him through. The subsequent months were filled with additional treatments, including radiation therapy and immunotherapy, aimed at ensuring any remaining cancer cells were eliminated. Each day brought its own challenges: managing side effects, hospital visits, and the emotional strain of witnessing their child endure pain and discomfort. Despite these hurdles, Declan’s spirit remained unbroken. His humor, wisdom beyond his years, and determination to fight inspired everyone—from family members to medical staff.
By August 2013, the family experienced a moment of hope and relief when Declan was declared in remission. After several more months of follow-up treatment, including careful monitoring and additional therapies, he was allowed to return home earlier than expected. For the first time in months, the family could envision a life beyond the hospital walls. Yet, while they celebrated this victory, the reality of neuroblastoma was never far from their minds.
In January 2015, the family received heartbreaking news: Declan’s cancer had relapsed, with two new tumors detected—one on his spine and another on his left hip. The relapse was an emotional blow. Charli’s mother describes the moment as beyond comprehension. “It had been quite some time since Carys had been sick, around two and a half years,” she reflects, noting how quickly the previous sense of normalcy was shattered. The family had already endured months of treatment, hospital stays, and fear; facing another battle was almost unimaginable. For Declan, the relapse meant returning to intensive treatment, enduring the side effects of chemotherapy once more, and coping with the physical and emotional toll of aggressive cancer therapy.
Faced with limited options, Declan’s doctors recommended participation in a clinical trial testing a new drug called DFMO. This trial, developed by researchers at the Children’s Cancer Institute, offered a glimmer of hope when conventional therapies had failed. DFMO targeted the neuroblastoma cells in a novel way, providing the possibility of controlling the disease while minimizing some of the toxic side effects typical of traditional treatment. Declan’s parents agreed to enroll him immediately, recognizing that this experimental therapy could offer their son a chance at life when the odds seemed insurmountable.
The results of the clinical trial were remarkable. Within four months, the tumor on Declan’s spine had vanished, and the tumor on his hip had significantly shrunk. Follow-up scans in December 2015 showed no further progression, providing a renewed sense of hope for the family. The clinical trial not only offered Declan a path to recovery but also contributed to groundbreaking research that may assist other children facing neuroblastoma in the future. Declan’s participation underscored the importance of innovative treatments and the critical role of research in giving children a chance at survival when standard therapies are insufficient.
Throughout his journey, Declan’s courage never faltered. Despite grueling chemotherapy, long hospital stays, surgeries, and the emotional toll of living with advanced cancer, he remained resilient, humorous, and determined. His parents, Kim and Simon, balanced the intense demands of his care while trying to maintain normalcy for their younger son, ensuring that the family’s life continued even amidst chaos. Declan’s story is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of children facing life-threatening illnesses and to the unwavering dedication of parents who advocate for them every step of the way.
Today, Declan’s journey continues to inspire. His participation in the clinical trial and his remarkable recovery demonstrate the impact of medical innovation, research, and community support. Every smile, every day of health, and every small victory is a testament to his resilience and the commitment of those who care for him. While neuroblastoma remains a challenging disease, stories like Declan’s provide hope—that even in the darkest moments, determination, courage, and groundbreaking research can make a life-saving difference.
Declan’s life serves as a reminder of the fragility of childhood, the strength of the human spirit, and the transformative power of hope. His journey emphasizes the importance of continued investment in research, innovative therapies, and support networks that help children like him not just survive but thrive. For Declan, the fight is ongoing, but his courage, determination, and optimism continue to illuminate the path for others facing similar battles.
