Fundraising For Hope

Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and although the way isn’t so clear-cut for three-year-old brain cancer patient Elenna Savorgnan, her parents Maria, Marty, and brother Reuben are playing their part in forging one.

After recently launching a GoFundMe campaign, the Home Hill-based family have managed to garner a sizeable $13,210 at the time of writing, with contributions from 158 generous donors helping them edge closer to their $50,000 target.

The money raised will aid the family’s efforts to find treatment for Elenna, who was diagnosed with Group 3 Medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer, just last year.

Crossing Borders For An Answer

After already enduring brain surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, and radiation, Elenna and her family have extended their search for effective treatment beyond Australia’s borders.

“Recently, we were told something no parent should ever hear: that there are no more curative options available. That we’ve come to the end. But we cannot accept that,” says Maria in a heartfelt letter on their GoFundMe page. “We are now searching everywhere, across Australia and around the world, for any treatment, trial, or chance that could help Elenna.”

The Savorgnan’s, despite the uphill battle, are refusing to lose hope in finding an answer—and if that answer comes, they want to be ready.

“This fundraiser will help us prepare for whatever comes next, whether it’s international travel for treatment, advanced testing not covered here, consultations with specialists, or emergency access to compassionate-use medications,” says Maria.

“We don’t have a clear path yet. We’re still waiting on answers, still hoping for options. But we know that when the moment comes, we’ll need to move fast.”

In the meantime, Elenna has most recently started the MEMMAT protocol—a treatment that combines low-dose chemotherapy with targeted therapies. While it’s not a cure, the goal is to slow the progression of the cancer and buy her more time.

“The idea is to attack the tumour from multiple angles, continuously, without overwhelming her little body,” states a post on the family’s Facebook page, ‘Elennas' fight with Medulloblastoma.’

While encouraging, it’s just one part of an ongoing battle. The Savorgnan’s are grateful for the support they’ve received so far, and are hopeful that the generous donations from fellow Burdekinites and beyond can help to give Elenna every possible chance.

“We are fighting for time. For hope. For even the smallest chance that Elenna might get to grow up,” said Maria, Elenna’s mother. “We are heartbroken. We are exhausted. But we are still fighting, for her.”

You can help Elenna’s cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-elenna-help-us-keep-fighting

You can follow her journey here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577099935542

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Elenna with her parents Maria and Marty, and brother Reuben Savorgnan. Despite the uphill battle, the family refuses to lose hope in finding answers. Photo source: GoFundMe
The money raised will aid the family’s efforts to find treatment for Elenna, who was diagnosed with Group 3 Medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer, just last year. Photo source: Facebook
Elenna has most recently started the MEMMAT protocol—a treatment that combines low-dose chemotherapy with targeted therapies. Photo source: Facebook

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