Urgent fundraiser for Gold Coast toddler with rare cancer
Gold Coast toddler Goldie Rose needs urgent overseas treatment as family races to raise up to $300,000.
What’s happening?
A Gold Coast family is urgently raising funds to take their toddler overseas for specialist cancer treatment.
Little Goldie Rose had been like many toddlers, filling her pockets with rocks, smiling cheekily and learning to walk.
But in the middle of last year, her family noticed something was wrong. Goldie began losing her motor skills.
Her mother, Maddison Bennett, said Goldie started collapsing instead of walking and soon could not bear weight at all.
By late October, Goldie became unwell and was taken for emergency care.
Scans revealed a large tumour crushing the nerves in her spine.
She was rushed into emergency surgery soon after the diagnosis.
“No parent can ever describe what it feels like watching your terrified baby daughter be wheeled into an operating theatre, not knowing what the outcome will be – whether she will walk again, whether she will survive,” Ms Bennett said.
Tests later confirmed Goldie had an extra-cranial malignant rhabdoid tumour, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Her case is even more unusual because the tumour is located in her spine and pelvis.
Goldie has already endured surgery and intensive chemotherapy.
Her treatment has also involved fevers, infections and blood transfusions.
The next stage of treatment is radiation therapy, which must begin within the next three to four weeks.
Why it matters
Goldie’s family says the recommended treatment is not available in Australia.
“In Australia, the standard treatment is photon radiation,” Ms Bennett said.
“Because Goldie’s tumour is in her pelvis and spine, photon radiation would pass entirely through her body, exposing her developing organs to high levels of radiation.”
“In a child this young, that level of exposure carries significant long-term risks, including permanent damage to ovarian function, permanent disruption of puberty and hormonal development, impaired bone growth, scoliosis, pelvic tilt, leg length discrepancy and an increased lifetime risk of secondary cancers.”
Another treatment option is proton therapy.
This approach allows radiation to stop at the tumour site, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and growth plates.
However, proton therapy is not available in Australia.
As a result, Goldie’s family is preparing to travel to Singapore for treatment.
Local impact
Goldie’s story has drawn strong support from the local community.
Ms Bennett previously played rugby league for the Jillaroos.
Her family has received backing from the Currumbin Eagles Rugby League Football Club.
The club is hosting a Champions’ Lunch at the Currumbin RSL to support the fundraising effort.
The event will feature special guests Jonathan Brown from the Brisbane Lions, Cameron Smith from Queensland and the Melbourne Storm, Pat Carrigan from the Brisbane Broncos and Broncos coach Madge Maguire.
During the lunch, framed and signed rugby league jerseys from Queensland, the Dolphins, the Cowboys and the Broncos will be auctioned.
All proceeds will go toward helping Goldie and her family fund the treatment and travel costs.
By the numbers
Goldie Rose is just 20 months old, and she was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer known as an extra-cranial malignant rhabdoid tumour.
Her family is now trying to raise between $250,000 and $300,000 to cover international medical treatment, travel, accommodation and living costs while she receives care in Singapore.
Once overseas, Goldie is expected to undergo at least six weeks of radiation therapy, followed by recovery time before she can safely return home.
Zoom in
The family will temporarily relocate to Singapore so Goldie can receive the recommended treatment.
The move will involve urgent travel planning and finding accommodation during her treatment.
Goldie’s two sisters will also need to be enrolled in local schooling while the family is overseas.
Doctors expect Goldie will require additional surgery and chemotherapy once she arrives.
She will then begin a course of radiation therapy before entering recovery.
Because of the treatment schedule, the family expects to remain overseas for at least two and a half months.
“Our lives now revolve around hospital admissions, appointments, and caring for three young children while navigating decisions that carry lifelong consequences,” Ms Bennett said.
Zoom out
Goldie’s case shows the difficult decisions families sometimes face when recommended treatment options are not available locally.
Accessing specialised treatment overseas often requires urgent travel and significant financial support.
Families can face major logistical challenges while balancing treatment schedules and the needs of other children.
What to look for next
Goldie’s family is working quickly to secure the funds needed before radiation therapy must begin.
Donations are being accepted through Rare Cancers Australia to help make the overseas treatment possible.
Supporters can donate through Rare Cancers Australia to help Goldie access the treatment her doctors recommend.