From heartbreak to healing: Flynn’s parents ready to Walk for Kids with Cancer

As proud first-time parents, Marina and Tom loved every milestone and celebration with their newborn son, Flynn. Their first three months were pure joy. Marina described Flynn as a “unicorn baby” - his birth went perfectly, he fed well, and he even slept for five-hour stretches through the night.

Father’s Day turns into a nightmare 

Marina was excited to celebrate her partners first Father’s Day. Like any new mum, she wandered through the shops with Flynn, picked out a thoughtful gift and wrapped it neatly. The plan was a simple, but special Sunday. Unexpectedly, the day took a heartbreaking turn. 

In the middle of the night, Flynn started screeching in pain. His tummy was hard, and his cry sounded different. Marina knew in her gut something was wrong. After hours of trying to settle him, the couple went to the Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW), expecting it to be something minor. Doctors kept them overnight as a precaution. 

During an ultrasound on Flynn’s tummy, the sonographer stepped out of the room. For Marina, alarm bells went off. As an experienced midwife, she turned to her partner and said, “Something’s wrong, they wouldn’t usually do that.” 

A few tests and a biopsy later, their world came crashing down. Doctors found a tumour the size of a tennis ball pressing on Flynn’s kidney. During one of the most traumatic experiences a parent could be faced with, they will never forget the kindness of Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza, Director of the Cancer Centre for Children. Dr Dalla-Pozza stayed back after hours to confirm the diagnosis - infantile fibrosarcoma, a rare but highly treatable cancer. 

“It was just like winning the lotto. We felt so fortunate. He is so unlucky in one sense, but beyond lucky in another,” recalls Marina. 

Access to lifesaving treatment 

Referred to their oncologist, Associate Prof. Geoff McCowage, the couple were told Flynn may be able to take a wonder drug proven to decrease the size of the tumour. Thankfully, genetic testing of his tumour confirmed their baby boy was eligible. 

Access to this life-saving treatment meant Flynn could stay at home and take medicine every day. No wards and no monitors or tubes. Just rest in his own nursery, with his mum and dad close by. 

An incredible response to treatment brings new hope 

Six weeks later, a test revealed Flynn’s tumour decreased by over 90%. The results amazed everyone involved in his care. 

“The whole time we were just hoping the tumour would stop growing or there would be a slight reduction. Flynn never had any side effects. He didn’t  lose his hair. We never could have dreamed of the results,” says Marina.  

Associate Prof. Geoff McCowage adds, “It’s hugely exciting to see outcomes like Flynn’s. In years past, he would have needed a big operation or chemotherapy – now we can give a little liquid medicine and watch the tumour melt. We have other stories similar to this which is fantastic.”  

Now 17 months old, Flynn is in remission. He loves to splash in water, is always found climbing and has a roaring laugh every time he’s up to mischief. 

Marina and Tom know they are the lucky ones. Unfortunately, three children in Australia still die from childhood cancer every week. Some families don’t have access to miracle drugs…yet. 

“When we were waiting for Flynn’s diagnosis, I remember preparing myself for the worst. I was getting ready to have a lot of hard conversations with my partner about our little boy’s life.  

“We were so, so lucky we had the best-case scenario,” shares Marina.

Joining the fight: Walk for Kids with Cancer 

Now, Marina and Tom are determined to give back. They’re joining forces with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) to raise vital funds for childhood cancer research and care as this year’s face of Walk for Kids with Cancer. On Sunday 29 March 2026, they’ll be taking on the scenic journey from Neutral Bay to Manly.  

“We are so honoured to be joining Walk for Kids with Cancer to help SCHF raise vital funds for childhood cancer. You never know when illness will come knocking on your door. When it does, your life changes in an instant. Every penny to this cause is worth a million.’’ 

How you can help 

Registrations for this year’s Walk for Kids with Cancer will help supercharge specialist cancer care, research and clinical trials to deliver better outcomes for kids diagnosed with cancer, just like Flynn. 

Sign up today. Together, we can change the future for sick kids.