A nine-year-old who can’t be further than an hour away from Perth Children’s Hospital while he fights an aggressive cancer is facing deportation to Chile.
Renato De La Barra, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since 2021, was given until August 29 to leave Australia after receiving news that he did not meet the health requirement for a student visa.
The De La Barra Cepeda family are having to go to painstaking lengths in an effort to stay in WA.
A different visa option is available for the family, however, it is costly and requires a lawyer.
The wife of three-time Olympian turned restaurateur Eamon Sullivan has set up a fundraiser to help the family pay for expenses associated with the visa application.
“There is a visa pathway available to the family that would allow them to stay for the duration of Renato’s treatment, but it is very costly and requires a lawyer,” Naomi Sullivan said.
“Renato’s parents are limited in their ability to earn an income by both the conditions imposed on them under their visas and the fact they have one child undergoing intensive cancer treatment, and another finishing primary school. They work as much as they possibly can.”
His oncologist urged the Department of Home Affairs to let Renato stay in WA as he cannot be far from PCH and cannot fly due to the risk of infection.
“Doing so would have severe adverse consequences for Renato’s immediate health and chances of entering remission. The risk of infection and other complications are unacceptably high,” Ms Sullivan said.
The fundraiser has so far raised almost $16,000, which will help cover legal costs and pay for additional therapies as Renato continues to fight the cancer with three forms of chemotherapy.
“The family have had to cover all of Renato’s cancer treatment through their private health insurance, as student visa holders are not entitled to Medicare,” Ms Sullivan said.
“They have also paid all incidental costs such as parking at PCH. They pay private rent, private school fees and taxes on their income. They are an asset to Australia.”