Supporting the Zarate Family

On January 18 2023, Raf was sent for an emergency scan in Townsville which confirmed a large tumour on his right kidney. The following day, Raffy was flown from Townsville to Brisbane on a Care flight and has since been undergoing multiple scans, procedures, and tests. On 3 February 2023, Raffy had the tumour removed as well as his right kidney. Whilst this procedure went well, further testing was carried out, and has since confirmed our Raffy has Clear Cell Sarcoma.

Rebecca, Luke and their children have relocated to be by Raf's side in Brisbane. Rafael is currently halfway through his treatment regime, and thankfully, tolerating it all really well. Drs were able to entirely remove the tumour, which also meant, Raf lost his right kidney. Tissue samples and lymph nodes taken from the surrounding areas all came back clear, as

well as his PET scan, ultrasound, MRI and chest X-ray.

Thankfully, the Ultrasounds and X-rays continue to be clear. Raffy's last round of chemo is scheduled for mid-October, so if everything continues to go smoothly, the family are hoping to be home by the end of November.

Raf has been incredibly brave, strong, resilient and really cheeky. He likes to keep the nurses on their toes, and is really making his dr work hard for his love. Raffy's little spirit would always lift when Noah and Maggie came to visit.

Let's continue to support Rafael and his family as he continues treatment in Brisbane and help get them to the finish line.

Our very own school mum Amanda will undertake two open ocean swims to raise funds that provide the Zarate family with the flexibility to keep their family together until they eventually call Townsville home again.