Being brave with Flynn

Hi, my name is Barb, and I would like to share with you all the story of an amazing little boy. 21 months ago, this amazing little boy Flynn, came into the lives of so many people. Flynn, like most little boys, has been growing strong and healthy and enjoying life as an energetic toddler. His greatest loves in life are his dog, swimming and playing outside.

However, in January 2025 at 19 months old, everything changed. After noticing a deterioration in his balance, Flynn's mum took him to hospital. A CT scan was ordered, and it revealed that Flynn had a significant amount of swelling on his brain, and a large mass. Within 48 hours, Flynn had emergency surgery to remove the fluid around his brain and was then airlifted to Brisbane, 14 hours away from their family home in Townsville to receive lifesaving care. This meant Flynn, his mum (32 weeks pregnant) and dad, had to leave their home, family, friends and jobs behind.

A few days after arriving in Brisbane, and following multiple tests and surgeries, Flynn and his family's whole world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with ATRT (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour). ATRT is a rare, aggressive and fast-growing cancerous tumour that affects children under the age of 3, and it is very difficult to treat.

Flynn has been very brave and had to endure multiple surgeries which have had a devastating impact on his ability to walk, talk, eat and swallow. He now faces several months of chemotherapy. Throughout all of this, Flynn's mum and dad were waiting on the new arrival of a baby brother or sister for Flynn.

On March 2, 2025, Flynn became a big brother to Franklin -"Frankie". Flynn and his parents, and new little brother, will remain away from home for an uncertain period of time whilst Flynn undergoes months of chemotherapy.

With the future so uncertain, Flynn's parents are doing everything they can to ensure he receives the best possible care and treatment.

Your kindness and support will mean the world to them all and they are deeply grateful for any support you can provide. Thank you.