This is what our Christmas Eve looked like.

Today, at the hospital, we saw Evelyn’s oncologist, Dr Matt. He is extraordinary.

During the appointment, Evelyn told him what she wants to be when she grows up.

“I want to be a doctor like Doctor Matt.”

She then explained why.

“So I can save children with cancer like he did with me.”

I could see it instantly. That moment made his day, maybe even his year.

After that, we went in for scans under general anaesthetic, roughly her 75th time in her short four years of life. We were able to come home and made it back in time for Christmas Eve dinner.

Around the table, we shared Evelyn’s words with family and cousins. Her brother Edward, Evelyn’s 10-year-old brother, smiled as he listened.

Later, the house was quiet. The kids were in bed. Eggnog in hand and carols playing, I sat down to write this update.

Then Edward came out of his room.

He was crying.

“I’m sorry Mum, but I need a hug.”

He told me he could not sleep. Not because he was excited for Christmas morning, but because his mind would not stop racing.

He asked "What if the cancer is back? How long will she last?"

Then he said, through tears,

“I want to see her live out her dreams. I want to one day see her being a doctor. She deserves so much.”

This is what childhood cancer looks like. Even on Christmas Eve.

To Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Health Minister Mark Butler, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Health Minister Chris Picton, imagine this is your Christmas Eve. Now imagine something even harder. Half of your family spending Christmas in one country, while the other half is on the other side of the world, facing the same fears, the same scans, and the same sleepless nights.

That is the reality for Australian families who need proton therapy right now.

This is in your control.

You can make a decision.
You can move this forward.
You can play your part in easing extraordinary heartbreak and helping keep families together when it matters most.

To everyone who has supported this petition, shared it, and stood with us, thank you. Your support means more than you will ever know.

Merry Christmas.