If you have been tuned into Canberra media over the past month, you’ve likely heard the devastating story of 3 year old Annabelle Potts. Little Annabelle was diagnosed with an aggressive rare brain tumour at the end of last year, and has spent her time since in Sydney Children’s Hospital.
With Mum and Dad Kathie and Adam Potts spending every moment by their daughter’s bedside, the family set up a GoFundMe page dedicated to raising much needed funds to pay bills and be able to survive while they spend precious time with Annabelle.
The GoFundMe page has since raised over $90,000, which the family say was highly unexpected and enormously appreciated.
Local radio station Mix 106.3 has also gotten involved – orchestrating a huge makeover of the family’s backyard in Evatt and turning it into Annabelle’s Princess Playground. They’ve had support from local businesses across Canberra who have volunteered time and resources, working around the clock for the big reveal which happens this Friday after Annabelle returns home from her latest radiation treatment in Sydney.
Unfortunately Annabelle’s prognosis is bleak, with only a glimmer of hope that the family may be accepted into a clinical trial overseas. “There’s a small possibility (of the clinical trials),” says Annabelle’s Aunt, Louise Griffiths. “For the most part though we are relying on the funds to help Kathie and Adam spend as much time as they can with their little girl.”
Louise says that over the past month the family has learned so much about childhood diseases, and have been surprised to discover how little funding brain tumours and paediatric research receives in general.
“Brain tumours kill more kids than any other disease. But there is no funding for it. 20 years ago leukaemia patients had a 10% survival rate. Now it’s 90% because of all the research and money it receives. But the overall amount dedicated to paediatric research is appalling. For example, of all the research that goes towards cancer, only 4% is dedicated to children.”
Louise urges people to show support and write a letter to the Minister for Health, asking for additional funding to be allocated towards research for paediatric brain tumours.
In addition to the GoFundMe page, the family is holding an Instagram Auction this weekend. On offer is a beautiful array of products donated from businesses across Canberra and beyond. It runs from 8pm 10th February to 9pm 12th February.
For more information, please visit the Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/loveforannabelle/
Pictured at top: Annabelle Potts and her mother Kathie, father Adam and little brother William.
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