๐Ÿ’œPlease Help๐Ÿ’œ Make Amy's Day! ๐Ÿ’œ

It is with broken hearts that we share that our beautiful girl, Amy, passed away peacefully after her courageous battle with cancer. Amy fought with bravery, kindness, and wisdom well beyond her years. She had a twinkle in her eyes and a smile that could melt your heart. She loved nature and every animal, bug, and insect, and she always went out of her way to care for everyone around her. Amy cared so deeply and embraced every opportunity life offered. She was determined to experience everything she could in this world, making the most of every moment. We are devastated and are taking some time as a family to process this immense loss. Our family would like to welcome everyone to attend Amy's memorial service. Once arrangements have been made, we will share the details. We kindly ask for your patience as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to Kelpie Ward at the Royal Children's Hospital. Kelpie Ward is the adolescent ward and home to the dedicated oncology unit that became Amy's second home over the past 12 months. It is one of the most underfunded wards in the hospital and urgently needs funding to replace worn and broken equipment, as well as provide items that make a real difference to the comfort of the young people receiving treatment, such as fans and an ice machine. Our family will be making a donation in Amy's memory. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so via the account below, with all funds being donated to Kelpie Ward in Amy's name: Hayley Paternoster BSB: 033107 Account: 464703 Alternatively, you can donate directly to the Royal Children's Hospital and request that your donation be directed to Kelpie Ward in Amy's memory. Thank you for the incredible love, kindness, and support you have shown Amy and our family throughout her journey. Amy touched more lives than she could ever have imagined, and her light will continue to shine through everyone who knew and loved her. Forever loved. Forever missed. ๐Ÿ’œ


๐Ÿ’œ Amy Paternoster, Age 15 ๐Ÿ’œ

In August 2025, at the age of just 14, Amy received a diagnosis of inoperable and incurable cancer. ๐ŸŽ—๏ธ๐Ÿ˜” Amy is an exceptional young lady who was actively engaged in life, pursuing her passions in singing, playing the bassoon, hockey, creating art, and enjoying her time at school and with friends. ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽจ This vibrant life was abruptly interrupted when she experienced a rapid decline in health, becoming super lethargic within just a two-week period. ๐Ÿ’” After many tests, and results showing there to be "nothing's wrong" her family quickly sought further medical advise from the Royal Children's Hospital,๐Ÿฅ where within in 2 days Amy was promptly placed under the care of the oncology team. ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ๐Ÿฉบ Subsequently, Amy underwent numerous diagnostic tests and surgeries, ultimately and eventually leading to the confirmation of a rare, aggressive, and metastasized tumor presence throughout the left and right sides of her chest, right shoulder, and spine. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’” These tumors have since progressed and extended to her abdomen. ๐Ÿฅบ


Treatment commenced expeditiously, involving intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy. ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿงช Amy experienced a significant array of side effects from her treatment. ๐Ÿค•๐Ÿคข Her family & friends have provided comprehensive support to her throughout this process. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿซ‚ She is continually experiencing exhaustion, nausea, and challenges maintaining weight. ๐Ÿ˜ด๐Ÿคฎ Despite these considerable difficulties, Amy continues to maintain a positive outlook and demonstrates remarkable resilience. ๐Ÿ’ช๐ŸŒŸ


Due to the cancer and ultimately the side effects, she has been unable to attend school (not through lack of trying to be there!) or participate in her customary activities. ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿšซ Her life has undergone a profound transformation, entering a new phase characterized by medical interventions, diagnostic procedures, and ongoing treatments. ๐Ÿ”„๐Ÿฅ She has navigated this challenging transition with notable grace and a positive disposition. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ˜Š


During this past week, Amy's family received some difficult news from her cancer team. ๐Ÿ˜”๐Ÿ’” They have exhausted all available treatment options. ๐Ÿ›‘๐Ÿงช She is currently on a new chemotherapy regimen and medication that may help to slightly slow the progression, but it will not halt the growth of the tumors or new ones forming. ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿ“‰ The new tumors in her abdomen, similar to those in her chest, are causing fluid accumulation and swelling, leading to significant discomfort. ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿ˜–


Regrettably, the expenses for Amy's family are increasing. ๐Ÿ’ธโฌ†๏ธ Many of her medications are not covered by the PBS, and she now requires a specialized bed, in addition to various other medical interventions & necessities. ๐Ÿ›Œ๐Ÿ’ฐ Amy spends a considerable amount of time sleeping, but when she is awake, she embraces life with her characteristic spirit. ๐Ÿ˜ดโœจ

I am honored to be able assist in raising much-needed funds to help cover some of these medical costs and, subsequently, to facilitate some of Amy's cherished "bucket list" experiences. ๐Ÿ’–๐ŸŒŸ


This period of her life should be dedicated to creating lasting memories and fulfilling her dreams with her bestfriend&brother Zack her incredible mum, Hayley and her superstar of a dad Andrew. ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ’ญ


Therefore, any contribution you might be able to offer would be deeply appreciated. ๐Ÿ™ ๐Ÿ’–โœจ


Bucket List so far...

โ™ก Animal encounters๐Ÿฆฆ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿฆˆ๐Ÿฆง

โ™ก Driving course ๐Ÿš— ๐Ÿš˜ ๐Ÿš™ ๐Ÿ›ป

(she won't be able to get a car licence)

โ™ก A better wig to wear at her uncles wedding in August! ๐Ÿ‘ฑโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿฆฐ๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ


To see more of her journey, request to follow: https://www.facebook.com/share/18JJ98mVXg/

Update
22 Jul 2026
Andrew, Zack and I (Hayley) have been amazed and overwhelmed by everyones kind words, support and help over this extremely difficult time. We would like to invite those interested to attend a celebration of Amy.
Update
08 Jul 2026
It is with a very heavy heart that I share this post of behalf of Amy incredibly strong family xx It is with broken hearts that we share that our beautiful girl, Amy, passed away peacefully on the weekend after her courageous battle with cancer. Amy fought with bravery, kindness, and wisdom well beyond her years. She had a twinkle in her eyes and a smile that could melt your heart. She loved nature and every animal, bug, and insect, and she always went out of her way to care for everyone around her. Amy cared so deeply and embraced every opportunity life offered. She was determined to experience everything she could in this world, making the most of every moment. We are devastated and are taking some time as a family to process this immense loss. Our family would like to welcome everyone to attend Amy's memorial service. Once arrangements have been made, we will share the details. We kindly ask for your patience as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to Kelpie Ward at the Royal Children's Hospital. Kelpie Ward is the adolescent ward and home to the dedicated oncology unit that became Amy's second home over the past 12 months. It is one of the most underfunded wards in the hospital and urgently needs funding to replace worn and broken equipment, as well as provide items that make a real difference to the comfort of the young people receiving treatment, such as fans and an ice machine. Our family will be making a donation in Amy's memory. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so via the account below, with all funds being donated to Kelpie Ward in Amy's name: Hayley Paternoster BSB: 033107 Account: 464703 Alternatively, you can donate directly to the Royal Children's Hospital and request that your donation be directed to Kelpie Ward in Amy's memory. Thank you for the incredible love, kindness, and support you have shown Amy and our family throughout her journey. Amy touched more lives than she could ever have imagined, and her light will continue to shine through everyone who knew and loved her. Forever loved. Forever missed. ๐Ÿ’œ
Update
02 Jul 2026
Hi all. Amy is still in hospital coming up to 5 weeks now. Some issues have settled but others have persisted. After draining her abdomen daily for a number of weeks it settled in size. Unfortunately it's now growing again. Amy had a CT scan to find out the cause. Her CT shows yet again that her tumors are growing and spreading. They have completely taken over her abdominal cavity, a large amount of her chest, liver, kidneys and everything in-between. Amy is on strong pain medication and continues to do the things that she loves as much as possible.
Update
17 Jun 2026
Hi all We have been in hospital with Amy for 3 weeks now starting on her last day of radiation. We went from Peter Mac hospital across to the Children's hospital. Had chemotherapy her albumin was extremely low. She was admitted on to the ward. Given albumin and 4 blood transfusions. Surgery to insert a long term drain into her abdomen. Drained 10 litres over the first few days. The fluid has continued to collect and she's now had around 26 litres drained off. With albumin and electrolyte replacements done each day. Amy's breathing has deteriorated and she's requiring some extra oxygen most of the time. We have been struggling over the past 2 months to get enough nutrition each day. Especially with the pressure of her very large abdomen. This has caused many issues and doctors decided to start IV nutrition, which has been helping. The hospital emergency lights came on very early in the morning. So we made a cubby to hide from the bright lights. Amy's exhausted most of the time. She's enjoying chatting to people, playing VR games, playing with Zack, visits from Spike, new PJ's and occasionally having an hour off her IV lines to go for a walk.
Update
14 Jun 2026
Amy doing her own drain dressing for the second time today. We are currently having some issues with a port site leaking fluid that's collecting in the abdomen. It's not of concern just annoying and a process to troubleshoot. If it doesn't slow down may have to have it re-sutured. She's such a pro at all of her medical care including removing her own port needles.
Update
28 May 2026
Last day of radiation yesterday at Peter Mac hospital. Then across to the Children's for chemotherapy. Amy had become too unwell with her ongoing ascities. Needed large amounts of albumin and has now been admitted to the ward. She has not been able to consume enough calories and is dropping weight fast. Will hopefully get some issues sorted out over the next week or two. Managed to make it to the candlelight concert which was amazing! Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and help keeping a smile on Amy's face. Amy and our family are unbelievably grateful!
Update
10 May 2026
Friday 8th May Today with everyone's help Amy was able to visit the Healesville Sanctuary and play with Milton the platypus! She's very sore and tired today so this was a huge effort on Amy's behalf. The experience was amazing ๐Ÿ˜ she loved every second and Milton gave soo many cuddles! Amy's now back in bed and snuggled up to Milton 2.0 (stuff toy) Thank you to all of you for helping make this happen and giving Amy a wonderful day!
Update
06 May 2026
Big day today starting at Peter Mac hospital for a consultation planning for radiation. Amy has way too many tumours to use radiation on all of them. Although one of her larger tumours in her chest is pressing on her superior vena cava. It caused a huge amount of issues back in December putting her in ICU with a 90% occlusion. She will have radiation on this particular tumour as it's growing and back pressing firmly on her blood vessel. Then it was off to the children's Hospital for blood tests, appointments and her new chemotherapy. He new chemo is not strong enough to kill her cancer but will hopefully slow it down. Amy's extremely uncomfortable this week with ascites. She has a fluid collection of 6 to 7 litres in her abdomen increasing every couple of days. This is caused by new tumours in her abdomen attracting fluid. Her doctor is organising to relieve some of the fluid buildup by draining it. Although it may return. So back at hospital tomorrow for more tests and fingers crossed a drain.
DONATIONS315
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Anonymous
Sun, 26 Jul 2026
$ 50
$ 50
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Anonymous
Thu, 23 Jul 2026
$ 15
$ 15
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Orchard Family
Thu, 23 Jul 2026
$ 50
$ 50
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Mehar Chawla
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
$ 30
$ 30
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Anonymous
Fri, 3 Jul 2026
$ 150
$ 150
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Ethan Degenhardt
Thu, 2 Jul 2026
$ 25
$ 25
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Tove family
Thu, 2 Jul 2026
$ 100
$ 100
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Yarra Ranges Athletics
Wed, 1 Jul 2026
$ 180
On behalf of all of us at Yarra Ranges Athletics, we send our heartfelt support to Amy and the Paternoster family.โ€จ We are keeping you in our thoughts and hope this contribution helps in a small way.
On behalf of all of us at Yarra Ranges Athletics, we send our heartfelt support to Amy and the Paternoster family.โ€จ We are keeping you in our thoughts and hope this contribution helps in a small way.
$ 180
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Marli Gervasoni
Wed, 1 Jul 2026
$ 100
๐Ÿ’œ
๐Ÿ’œ
$ 100
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Anonymous
Sun, 28 Jun 2026
$ 1000
$ 1000
Fundraising for
AMY PATERNOSTER
Funds banked to:
A and H Paternoster