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Tiny fighter, Big challenges: Rangeville toddler’s cancer battle

Little fighter, Raphael Budzynski-Cullen

What’s happening?

The Budzynski-Cullen family from Rangeville has been forced to relocate to Brisbane for their two-year-old son Raphael (Raffa)’s cancer treatment.

Diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, Raffa has endured extensive medical interventions since he was nine months old, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries.

The financial toll of relocation and treatment has left the family facing tens of thousands in out-of-pocket expenses.

Why it matters?

Childhood cancer affects not only the young patient but also their entire family.

The Budzynski-Cullens’ story highlights the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges families face when accessing life-saving treatment far from home.

Budzynski-Cullen Family – Raffa’s Mum (Andrea) and Dad (Brad), Big Sis Mia, Big Bro Leo and Baby Raffa

Local Impact

The family’s experience has resonated deeply with the Rangeville community, shining a light on the struggles faced by families dealing with rare diseases and rallying local support for Raffa’s ongoing treatment.

By the Numbers

  • 1 in 100,000: Neuroblastoma affects approximately 1 in 100,000 children, making it one of the rarest childhood cancers.
  • 16 months: The length of Raffa’s initial treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and two bone marrow transplants.
  • $20,000: The amount the family is hoping to raise to offset mounting costs.

Zoom In

Raffa’s journey began when his parents noticed his swollen and hard stomach at just nine months old.

Urgent scans revealed multiple large tumours, including one the size of a grapefruit near his liver.

Andrea described the family’s early struggle as, “going to war with the most powerful army with no ammo or guns, no plan… just ourselves.”

Despite 16 months of intensive treatment, Raffa faced a relapse in October 2023, when a massive tumour was discovered behind his left eye. “We were just trying to fit in as much as we could to make sure we all have beautiful memories if the worst should happen to our darling boy,” Andrea shared.

Their two older children, 7-year-old Mia and 5-year-old Leo, have also been deeply affected, often asking when they can return to their home and normal life.

Zoom Out

Raffa’s story is a stark reminder of the gaps in support for families undergoing long-term medical treatment.

For regional families like the Budzynski-Cullens, relocating to metropolitan hospitals often leads to financial strain, career disruptions, and emotional stress.

The lack of broader infrastructure to assist such families intensifies the impact.

What to Look For Next?

The family is seeking community support to raise $20,000 to ease the financial burden and focus on creating cherished moments with Raffa.

Donations can be made online at Helping Raphael Budzynski-Cullen.

By rallying around the Budzynski-Cullen family, the community can help provide much-needed relief and demonstrate the strength of collective compassion.

Raffa- diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma

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