Nightmare world of a tragic teen

AT AGE 12 Kaci Whelan’s family received the shocking news no one wants to hear.

What was initially thought to be a knee injury, turned out to be cancer.

Two years later, Kaci and her Charters Towers family face an uphill struggle as the teenager’s battle continues.

Kaci’s mother Kym said the last few years have been a battle for the 14year-old.

“She has not lived life yet, however, she has certainly had her share of heartache and pain in the past few years,” Ms Whelan said.

In 2011 the banks began foreclosure on the Whelan family’s cattle property in the Gulf country.

Then, in 2013, Kaci’s older brother Mac committed suicide.

Following the loss of her older brother, Kaci was found to have a femoral cyst in the femur of her right leg.

The surgery failed and her femur broke, forcing doctors to plate her leg. She was diagnosed with osteosarcama (cancer of the long bones) in April 2018.

Ms Whelan said at that point, Kaci’s health began to severely deteriorate.

“That’s when our cancer nightmare began, our lives ended as we knew it,” she said. “Our family was thrown into turmoil as we packed and moved to Brisbane instantly, leaving behind Kaci’s two sisters, her family, her friends and her pets.”

Kaci was subject to 12 months of chemotherapy, regular blood tests and transfusions and feeding tubes.

She lost her right femur and knee in a 13-hour operation and had to learn to walk again. She then received the devastating news that the cancer was in her left leg too.

In February this year, Kaci started a drug trial which was supposed to be the breakthrough the family had been waiting for.

“After months of ups and downs, transfusions and side effects that crucified her body we held hope that it was going to work. This was it,” Ms Whelan said.

However in May Kaci was handed another blow with the cancer in her left leg appearing to have grown under the drugs and spots were found in her lungs.

Two months later Kaci had further scans which revealed both cancerous areas in her leg and lungs had increased in size.

“We need to look elsewhere to find answers and a cure for our beautiful daughter and sister,” Ms Whelan said.

A Gofundme account has been established to cover upcoming travel and medical costs for both Kaci and her family.

“This money will be used for airfares overseas as well as accommodation, possibly to Mexico or America, depending on which medical institute accepts Kaci after reviewing her medical results and files,” Ms Whelan said.

To donate to the Whelan’s GoFundme cause visit https://au.gofundme.com/kaci039s-fight.