Nalu Needs You

When Chynae and Jimmy fell in love 9 years ago, school sweethearts, they never imagined they would be having a baby almost ten years later. The Coolum couple Chynae 23yr, vet nurse at the Noosa District Animal Hospital and Jimmy 24yr (Shadforths employee) were ecstatic about becoming first time parents and cherished the moments with pregnancy photos, ultrasounds, a baby shower and nursery preparations with great excitement.

During a routine pregnancy scan the baby was noticed to have both his kidneys dilated. Follow up scans after Nalu was born (29/06/15) at six weeks, revealed the dilation was resolved, however, simply by chance, a dark area on one kidney was also discovered. The hospital did further investigations dismissing the mass as a benign tumor with no complications. A visiting pediatrician from Lady Cilento Hospital, reviewed the scans and suspected something more sinister and ordered more scans, an MRI and a biopsy of Nalu’s kidney all at only 10 weeks of age.

What they discovered sadly, was a cancerous tumor named Wilms Tumor a cancer more common in children than adults but rarely detected in newborns. Chynae and Jimmy’s euphoria over their beautiful little boy has suddenly been rocked, devastating news that has shattered their world and broken their hearts. Dreams replaced with fear for Nalu’s future is now their reality. All plans for enjoying parenthood and celebrating Nalu’s new life thrown into chaos. Their beautiful baby boy Nalu has cancer, seemingly unbelievable when looking into his bright eyes and beaming smile.

The Doctors are cautious about what to expect as usually the disease is not discovered this early, however treatment is specific. Little Nalu is scheduled for a Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal) 24th of September and is facing Chemotherapy for 7-8 months five days a week. The Sunshine Coast parents now wait anxiously for further scans and tests to eliminate any other issues before treatment begins. Thankfully, this insidious tumor has been discovered early, so Nalu has the best chance of beating any further complications and Chynae and Jimmy have great faith and believe in their little boys strength.

Chynae will be living in Brisbane, possibly at Ronald McDonald House whilst Jimmy tries to work on the coast so that they can maintain some financial income. Despite this, the expenses are enormous and this young family desperately need some community support and your prayers to help Nalu face this battle in his young little life. Family and friends have begun all they can to help the family but there are so many costs over the next few months that are impossible to manage without assistance.

As close friends of the couple we urgently request your input. Those who know both Jimmy and Chynae can understand how difficult it is for them to accept your kindness but we have urged them to allow us to gather support and assistance whilst they focus on Nalu’s treatment and recovery. Messages of support on this page, sharing Nalu’s story, your time or donation can be coordinated via the contacts here and of course any donations of any size will be greatly appreciated.