Dylan Hartung’s father Tim and brother Cain sport the T-shirts they are selling to keep Dylan in a New York hospital for cancer treatment.
By Sarah Schwager
RELATIVES and friends of a local boy, welcomed into the hearts of the community, are selling T-shirts to help raise money for his cancer treatments.
Dylan Hartung, 7, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma two years ago.
In November last year, a terminally ill Cranbourne man, Mick Hegedus, and his friends organised a fundraising night for Dylan at Cranbourne’s Amstel Golf Club.
Since then, support for the young Skye boy has continued with local residents fighting to help keep him at a New York hospital where he and his mother Melissa have spent the past 18 months.
Dylan’s father Tim Hartung said he was doing quite well and was just about to start a specialised treatment called 3FA Monoclonal antibodies, which is not currently available in Australia.
“This is the reason why we sent him to the US,” he said.
“They have a very good success rate with kids in Dylan’s position.”
Dylan and Melissa are living at the Ronald McDonald House in New York, while Mr Hartung and his other son Cain, 11, have stayed in Melbourne.
Dylan will now stay on the 3FA treatment until his body rejects it that could be anytime between a week and three years.
Mr Hartung said the longer he was on the treatment, the better his chances would be.
He said staying at Ronald McDonald House had been great for the family as it meant Dylan could come home at the end of the day after being in hospital.
“They do their best to keep a good quality of life for the kids,” he said.
He said it also kept the cost down.
Mr Hartung said the cost of treatment in hospital in America was very expensive.
“We are totally reliant on donated funds,” he said.
“While there is no charge for the 3FA treatment, the costs for Dylan’s time in hospital, doctor visits and drugs quickly adds up. But what price do you put on a child’s head?”
Mr Hartung said he wanted to thank everyone who had supported the family and the cause.
“Without that support Dylan wouldn’t be with us today,” he said.
“He’s half a world away, but I’d rather have that than not have him at all.
“It takes its toll on the family, but we look at the bigger picture and keep our fingers crossed that we can get there.”
Family friend Leanne Hicks came up with the idea of selling the T-shirts and husband Brett did all the artwork. Mrs Hicks’ daughter was in the same class as Dylan.
To purchase a T-shirt, contact Leanne on 0402 006 487 or orders can be posted to Leanne Hicks, C/- Dylan Hartung Campaign, PO Box 8224, Carrum Downs, Victoria, 3201.
The T-shirts cost $25 each and come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes. Cheques and money orders can be made out to the Dylan Hartung Fund.
