The difference Isaac deserves

How ground-breaking research is the hope giving difference for kids with brain cancer.

From healthy to hospital in just a few days

In 2016, Isaac was a happy, healthy baby, but at four months old his parents noticed that he had shaky eyes (Nystagmus), and following a check-up with their GP, who noticed a rapid growth in Isaac’s head size, they were referred to Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Isaac underwent many tests and scans, and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which was sadly being caused by a large tumour in the centre of his brain. Isaac had a shunt inserted in his brain to drain the build-up of fluid and had a biopsy taken of the tumour. Isaac was in hospital for 14 weeks and during that time he had six shunt replacements (brain operations) due to continuous problems which included a week in intensive care.

A whirlwind of treatment and an uncertain future

Isaac began 12 months of chemotherapy straight away as his tumour was inoperable and malignant. This stabilised the tumour and allowed Isaac to return home, with regular MRIs to monitor any growth. In early 2019, Isaac started having challenges with his sodium levels which led to a diagnosis of hyponatremia. Throughout 2019/20 Isaac spent many nights in hospital and intensive care with low sodium levels making him very unwell.

Thankfully, both his tumour and hydrocephalus remained stable, but in September 2022 an MRI indicated Isaac’s tumour had started to grow. A successful surgery managed to remove 80% of the tumour, and once again Isaac showed his incredible strength by being up and about on the ward within a few days.

As a result of Isaac’s brain tumour and hydrocephalus, he has an acquired brain injury which means his development is much slower than other children his age. Despite the challenges Isaac works hard at all his therapies and continues to hit some wonderful milestones. He loves music and singing and being on his special bike.

Hope for a future free from brain cancer

The Children’s Brain Cancer Centre is Australia’s first research initiative solely focused on paediatric brain cancer, treatment, and survivorship, and brings together world-leading researchers, doctors, and facilities to boost brain cancer research capacity and outcomes in Queensland and beyond.

The Centre plays a vital role in the Australian Brain Cancer Mission, which aims to double survival rates and improve the quality of life for children living with brain cancer over the next 10 years, with the longer-term aim of defeating brain cancer.

Despite advances in other types of childhood cancer, survival rates for brain cancer have made little progress over the past 30 years. Every nine days brain cancer claims the life of an Australian child – the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre aims to change that.