Help Kruz fight cancer - again!

Hi all,

My name is Deklan, and I am writing this on behalf of my beautiful sister Lauren and my brother-in-law John.

For those who know Lauren and John, you would know they are the most humble people who rarely ask for help. However, I have asked for their permission to start this GoFundMe because I believe they need and deserve all the support they can get right now.

Lauren and John have always struggled to share what is happening with little Kruz as they don’t want to believe all of this is real. They continue to carry on with positive energy, praying for the most positive outcome.

In July 2023, Lauren and John's 4-year-old (now 5.5 years old) son, Kruz, was diagnosed with MPAL Leukemia (T-Myeloid) an extremely rare form of leukemia, after he fell ill on a family holiday to Bali. What they thought was a nightmare at the time turned out to be only the beginning of an even greater battle.

Kruz, the bravest, toughest, and strongest little boy with his whole life ahead of him, had his world turned upside down overnight. He should be in Grade Prep this year, but is yet to start school.

From the start, Kruz and his family have fought like warriors. Kruz struggled to get into remission, and therefore had “refractory leukemia” meaning that his body is not responding to chemotherapy treatment and by January 2024, after enduring round after round of high-dose chemotherapy, the family was told that Kruz might not make it to a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and that palliative care should be considered. However, an absolute miracle happened, and by March, Kruz was able to undergo a life-saving BMT. His mum, Lauren, was his donor, as there was no match on the registry for Kruz. Despite undergoing intense chemotherapy and radiation (TBI) and being confined to an isolated room for nearly 8 weeks with no visits with his brother or sister, Kruz sailed through the transplant. There was plenty of Mario Cart to be played and lots of fun nurses and amazing people like Tom from Challenge and Merridy from Kids with Cancer foundation who made the days go by quicker. Kruz experienced some Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) but, as always, pushed through. At Day +47 post-transplant, he was finally reunited with his siblings Makaio (8) and Harlow (4), and rang the "remission bell" on his way out. The family was overjoyed, shedding many happy tears.

However, just a couple of weeks ago, at almost 5 months post transplant, a small lump appeared on Kruz’s head. Concerned, Lauren informed his doctors. After undergoing extensive tests, including an Ultrasound, 2 CT scans and a biopsy, it was confirmed that Kruz had relapsed, with a mass in his skull, pushing down on the frontal lobes of his brain. The following week, a Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) and a PET scan revealed even more devastating news: Kruz had not only relapsed with a mass in his skull but also had a mediastinal mass in his chest (similar to when he was first diagnosed) and another mass in his abdomen. Kruz had to undergo emergency radiation as the mass was affecting his breathing, heart, lungs, and esophagus. He is now also receiving maintenance chemotherapy. The doctors have said that there is currently no trials available for Kruz. However, we are praying for a miracle and hope someone, somewhere can find something to help Kruz defeat this terrible disease.

Lauren and John are absolutely heartbroken, but they are trying to stay strong for all three of their children.

If you can spare a dollar or two, your generous donation will help them cover expenses and provide Kruz and his siblings with experiences, wishes and little treats to help them keep their spirits high. The whole family would be incredibly grateful.

We will continue to keep you updated. Please pray for Kruz, for good health, strength to fight, a cure for his disease, and a long, healthy life.

Thank you kindly,

Deklan