Family Battles Cancer and Toxic Home
A family with a toddler battling a rare brain cancer has been forced to find new accommodation after their home was found to contain toxic mould.
One-year-old Audrey, who recently returned home from Monash Children’s Hospital after a year of intensive treatment, was subsequently rushed back to the hospital with life-threatening sepsis caused by unknown bacteria.
Dangerous Discovery in Frankston Home
Subsequent testing revealed the family’s Frankston, Melbourne home had indoor moisture levels 29 times higher than what is considered safe.
The report stated the home was unsafe to live in and posed a high risk to both healthy and vulnerable populations.
Despite no visible mould, the elevated moisture levels allowed up to seven mould species to grow, some of which are known to produce harmful mycotoxins.
Audrey's Ongoing Health Battle
Due to Audrey being immunocompromised, the bacteria in the home led to a severe infection that progressed to life-threatening sepsis. The child has endured 14 surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy and is expected to resume chemotherapy next week, having received almost 70 doses of antibiotics.
Seeking Safe Haven Amidst Challenges
The family has been advised to move out immediately and replace all soft furnishings, including mattresses, couches, children’s books, and soft toys. However, securing a new rental has proven difficult, as both parents, Maddy Scott and Sam Tunks, have stopped working to care for Audrey and her three-year-old brother Elliot, impacting their ability to secure housing in a competitive market.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family in securing safe accommodation.