From a typical tumble at kindergarten to a cancer patient in just a few days – this is Theodore’s story.

When Theodore experienced a fall at kindergarten, his mum Jaclyn monitored him for concussion symptoms. After noticing he was still vomiting on and off months after the accident, Jaclyn took him to hospital for an MRI which revealed every parent’s worst nightmare – Theodore had a brain tumour.

“It was devastating, suddenly our lives stopped as we imagined a future without the Theodore we knew,” said Jaclyn.

Just two days later, Theodore endured a marathon 18-hour brain surgery at the RCH that helped determine his future and potential treatment options.

His specialists recommended Proton Bean Therapy (PBT) over traditional radiotherapy, which would have affected Theodore’s developing brain so much that he would require significant intervention to finish high school. The targeted nature of PBT, on the other hand, would enable Theodore to finish high school with confidence, and perhaps even go on to university.

Jaclyn and her husband Richard decided to move their family of four to Florida so Theodore could receive the treatment he desperately needed. They lived in Florida for more than two months, and Theodore underwent PBT at the University of Florida five days a week for a month straight.

The family faced immense stress at this time, both financially and emotionally, which was worsened by being so far away from family and friends.

“We really missed having our support system around us, the kids’ grandparents and other family and friends. The time difference was really hard, too because it meant we couldn’t just pick up the phone and chat with our family and friends whenever we needed to,” said Jaclyn.

While Jaclyn is grateful for the treatment, she wishes that Theodore could have received this life-changing care closer to home.

“If we’d been able to have the treatment in Australia, we would have had so much more support and even just having the familiar comforts of home – sleeping in your own bed, playing with your own toys – would have made things so much easier.”

Following the PBT, Theodore’s future is bright.

Scans have shown no change in the tumour, which means there is no need to attempt further surgery. He now has a scan every three months and, with any luck, that will be all he ever needs.

Today, five-year-old Theodore is very excited about joining his big brother at primary school in 2025. He is also looking forward to a Ninjago themed party for his 6th birthday in February, a day his parents will enjoy almost as much as he will.