Nataya Dunstall is a bright and bubbly six year-old.
She loves her family, her stuffed monkey and has a smile “as bright as the sun”.
But beneath the smile, the Kosciuszko Street Primary School grade one student hides a world of pain.
Nataya was diagnosed with a 63-millimetre brain tumour at age three, with secondary fluid on the brain.
Many chemotherapy sessions, MRI scans, surgeries and hormone injections later,things are yet to look up.
In the past six months, the tumour has grown six millimetres, increasing pressure on the brain, with Nataya requiring brain surgery as soon as possible.
Family friend Michelle Richardson told The Express of the family’s heartbreak.
“Nataya asked her mum if she had cancer as a little girl too,” Ms Richardson said.
“She asked why she couldn’t make her cancer go away… what do you say to something like that?”
Having recently purchased a house and raising three other young girls, Nataya’s parents are feeling the struggle financially.
However, Ms Richardson said the family was remaining strong.
“(Nataya’s mother) Corina said the family had gone to hell and back and they’re about to do it again. But she says they will beat it,” she said.
To ease the financial strain on Nataya’s family, a gofundme page has been set up to assist with transport, accommodation and medical costs for when the surgery goes ahead.
“They have to commute down to Melbourne for everything. They’ve made it to Drouin at one point only to get a call saying chemotherapy wasn’t going ahead today, and then they have had to drive home. Their car has also broken down before,” Ms Richardson said.
“The family will never ask for help, but they need it.”
Donations to Nataya and her family can be made at www.gofundme.com/Natayas-Journey
A Facebook page, ‘Nataya’s Journey’, has also been set up to document Nataya’s daily battle.
Trivia fundraiser
A TRIVIA night fundraiser will be held on 2 September at Traralgon Golf Club.
Organised by Freemasons Victoria, the night will raise money for Nataya and her family.
The event will kick off at 7pm.
Tickets are $15 per person. Tables of eight are available.
For bookings or more information, phone Rebecca Cole on
0427 917 822.
