Last week, I received a message that shook me to my core and reminded me exactly why we do what we do.
It came from a mum named Tay, who had completed our first aid course and had been following along on Instagram. On Sunday, she noticed some unusual bruising on her young son Nicholas’ legs. At first glance, it could have been dismissed as nothing - just a few bumps and spots kids often get while playing. But Tay trusted her gut.
She took his clothes off for a better look and noticed a few small purple spots under his arms that didn’t disappear under pressure. She did the glass test, something she’d learned from Tiny Hearts, and even though Nicholas didn’t have a fever or any other symptoms, she felt something wasn’t right.
Her partner gently reassured her that it was probably nothing. But Tay couldn’t shake the feeling. Because of the knowledge she’d gained, and the confidence that came with it, she made the call to take him to the emergency department.
That decision changed everything.
After some routine blood tests, doctors told Tay something no parent is ever ready to hear: Nicholas has leukaemia.
In her words, "The doctor said, ‘Well done for coming in. A lot of people would have missed this.’ I truly believe the information you share played a huge part in helping us to diagnose.”
I can’t begin to describe how heartbreaking and brave this message was to receive. Tay and Nicholas were flown straight to Sydney that night. Within days, he underwent a bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture and had a port inserted for chemotherapy. He also tested positive for COVID, which made an already terrifying situation even harder. At one point, a mucus blockage in his oxygen line had them on standby for ICU.
They’re now living out of a hotel while they wait to test negative so they can access accommodation at Ronald McDonald House. Tay has had to stop work to care for Nicholas full time. Her partner is juggling a small business while trying to travel back and forth to see them. All of this while raising another young child who is adjusting to life without his mum and brother during the week.
Still, through it all, Tay’s message was filled not with complaint but with gratitude.
She told me, “I felt confident making the decision to seek help because your course gave me the knowledge to know what to look for and the courage to act. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
And just days later, she was acting on that knowledge again. After being discharged, Tay noticed some redness and a tracking line near Nicholas’ port site. She knew those signs could mean a serious infection, not because any medical staff had flagged it, but because she’d seen one of our posts about it. She went straight back to hospital. Thankfully, it wasn’t an infection, but the doctors thanked her for bringing him in and acting quickly.
Tay, if you’re reading this: you are the reason we exist. Your strength, your instincts, your love — they saved Nicholas’ life. You should be so incredibly proud.
This is the power of informed parents.
With Tay’s permission, we’re sharing her story to help raise awareness and to offer support during this unimaginable time. Their family has set up a GoFundMe page to help them stay afloat as they navigate the next two years of treatment. You can donate here. Even the smallest contribution will help keep their family together and ease a little of the burden they’re carrying.
If donating money isn’t possible right now, giving blood or platelets is another meaningful way to help. Kids like Nicholas often rely on it during treatment, and every donation makes a difference.
Please keep this beautiful family in your hearts. And to Tay: we are holding onto that image you painted - Nicholas ringing the bell, cancer free. We’ll be cheering him on until that day comes.
With love,
Nikki
