Ollie was just six when he faced the biggest battle of his young life.
A breakthrough by a Melbourne-based medical institute is set to drastically improve treatment for ovarian cancer and will enable women to retain their fertility through the diagnosis phase.
Ovarian Cancer Australia Advocacy and Support Program Chief Sue Hegarty said the new test developed will improve diagnosis for women and reduce unnecessary surgery.
“We do know that it is Australia’s deadliest female cancer, that it’s been very stubborn to treat, the five-year survival rate just being 49 per cent, we know we need to have more research and a test like this is a really promising sign for the treatment of the disease in the future,” she told Sky News Australia.
“Ollie was watching TV when Naomi noticed he was covering one of his eyes,” Nathan said.
“When she asked him why, Ollie said it was because he had double vision. Around this time, Ollie also started getting a few headaches and mentioning dizziness.
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“Then his eye turned inwards, and our whole world turned upside down.”
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Ollie was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his mum noticed his eye had turned inward. Picture: Supplied
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“We couldn’t have imagined what it was”
They took their son to a local optometrist, who quickly shared his concerns that Ollie’s condition could be caused by something neurological.
“We obviously knew something was going on, but we couldn’t have imagined what it was,” Nathan said.
A CT scan found a tumour the size of a lime at the base of Ollie’s skull.
Following an urgent biopsy, Nathan and Naomi heard the news no parent should hear: Ollie had cancer.
He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of tissue cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.
That began a gruelling treatment regime including chemotherapy and radiation, and Ollie is still battling the disease more than 500 days later.
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Ollie had a gruelling treatment journey. Picture: Supplied
“It’s so important for kids to be able to express themselves”
During his fight, the eight-year-old has turned to art as a means of escapism from his challenging journey.
He enjoys drawing and painting, and uses his art as not only a means of escape, but as a way to try to inspire others going through a similar battle.
“Ollie’s cancer journey has been challenging, but through countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he found art as his solace,” Nathan said.
“Creating and drawing became his therapy and personal escape. He uses his art to express himself, harnessing his energy into unique and funky creations on a page.”
Nathan says his son loves using “vibrant colours” and “unique patterns”, and has already come up with a moniker for his unique style.
“He’s dubbed it ‘bubbling’,” Nathan said.
“His artwork comes alive with quirky monsters and animals, each piece telling a fun story.
“It’s so important for kids to be able to express themselves in a way that encourages unlimited creativity.
“Art has no rules, so it’s a great way for kids to push the boundaries of their minds and express something they might not be able to communicate with us verbally.”
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Ollie with his dad Nathan, mum Naomi, and his two sisters. Picture: Supplied
“Get behind ACRF any way you can”
Now Ollie’s art will be used to raise awareness and funds for cancer research to help make sure other children don’t face the same journey.
He has designed art for the race bibs at the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 5 & 10K Run, which will support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation in 2024.
“I’d encourage people to get behind ACRF in any way they can,” Nathan said.
“The research they fund helps to find new ways to manage all types of cancer, giving hope to families like ours.”