Desperate parents of children with rare forms of cancer are pleading with the federal government for funding to access a drug that helps prevent the disease returning.Luna Kemmery is a pint-sized fighter, displaying bravery beyond her years.
"From as young as 11-days old, we were in and out of hospital for some breathing issues," Ms Byrne said.Luna's future rests on access to a drug treatment available in the United States, but not currently used in Australia.But, there are fears even a streamlined application process could take too long, and parents of kids like Luna are pleading for federal government support to help cover the exorbitant costs of getting the drug overseas.
"Families desperately need this drug now, their children cannot wait, neuroblastoma does not wait," Ms Jones said. "Right now families are having to fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars to take their vulnerable children overseas to get that drug."In April, Neuroblastoma Australia and the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group asked the Health Minister Mark Butler to commit to $15 million in funding over two years.A spokesperson for the minister said he "remains concerned about the situation faced by children with neuroblastoma in Australia".
Mr Butler's counterpart, Shadow minister Anne Ruston said the benefits of DFMO were clear for all to see.