In October 2023, Nolan and his mum Edwina arrived in Australia from New Caledonia. 

Nolan, 16, had been experiencing high fevers reaching 39-40 degrees and body pains in his arms, legs, neck and back for months.  

“His first symptoms developed in May of 2023, but things didn’t move very quickly in Noumea,” Edwina said. 

“Practically every week his fever would spike and after a few months, from May to the end of September.” 

Initial tests were completed in Medipole Hospital in New Caledonia, but doctors told the family they weren’t sure what the results were. Edwina was told they would have to come to Australia for further tests.  

It was in the ambulance in Noumea where Edwina first read the word “cancer”, in a medical letter. 

“When I saw the letter in the ambulance, I was by myself with Nolan and the paramedic, there were no doctors, nothing.” 

“Lots of things went through my head at once in a very short amount of time, but I got a grip on myself and told myself that we had to go and see what would happen.” 

She didn’t tell her son he had cancer until two days after they arrived in Australia.  

“I told him, my son I think we are here because you have cancer.

“I told him that no he wouldn’t, that we would see what doctors had to tell us and that we were here to get him treatment.” 

Nolan was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia. He began treatment at the end of October. 

Edwina felt she was much better prepared for Nolan’s diagnosis once in Sydney. 

“When we arrived and they started mentioning leukaemia, I felt less distraught than in the ambulance. Here I think they really prepared us.” 

Nolan completed almost 12 months of treatment in Australia. Redkite supported the family with counselling support, as well as Coles vouchers, groceries and transportation for their family when they could visit.  

Nolan and Edwina will be able to return to New Caledonia in the coming weeks, where Nolan will continue his treatment.  

They are happy to finally go back home. 

The Sydney French Open is a weekend tennis competition, raising vital funds for Redkite to continue to support New Caledonian families who need to travel to Australia for childhood cancer treatment. The event is now in its 11^th year and will be held on the 5-6^th October at the Eastside Tennis Centre in Kingsford, Sydney.  

For more information, check out the event here and follow the event on Facebook.