A young family is locked in a heartbreaking race against time as a devoted father of two fights a terminal brain tumour.
His diagnosis has sparked an urgent appeal to fund a costly, non-subsidised medical treatment.
In November 2025, Patrick Dunand, who is 33, was diagnosed with a grade four terminal brain tumour.
The diagnosis is the latest and most severe blow in a brutal, years-long medical battle that began in 2019 when a seizure revealed that something was deeply wrong.
Over the last seven years, Patrick has endured multiple brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, chronic headaches, and seizures.
In February 2025, his fight almost ended when he suffered a brain bleed and stroke.
Yet, against all odds, Patrick keeps fighting, even trying to work whenever he is physically able.
"He's a great dad and he's definitely a fighter," said Heather Perry, a Medowie resident and aunt to Patrick's wife, Shauni.
"The hardest part to watch is seeing him not be able to do things with the kids that he would have normally wanted to do," she said.
For Patrick and his wife Shauni, who grew up in Stroud and met Patrick through the Air Force Cadets, their entire world revolves around their two young boys, Remy and Henry.
Between endless specialist appointments and treatments, the Central Coast couple is striving to maintain normality for their toddlers.
On top of the emotional toll of a terminal diagnosis, the family is facing massive financial strain, including a mortgage and mounting everyday medical costs.
Their biggest hope now lies in an advanced immunotherapy drug that could buy Patrick more precious time with his wife and children.
However, before immunotherapy, he needs a separate treatment that is not subsidised by the government and comes with a staggering price tag.
"The drug that they want to put Patrick on is more than $25,000" Heather said.
"Patrick wants to do this drug to give himself a better chance for immunotherapy."
"His boys and Shauni mean the world to him."
Both loved ones and complete strangers have rallied behind the fundraising campaign to give Patrick every possible chance to see his boys grow up.
"We have just been blown away by the support," Heather said.
"It gives us goosebumps at the generosity of people, some we know and some we don't."
Donations from the GoFundMe page will go directly toward Patrick's medical care and medication, relieving financial stress so the family can focus on being together.
To support the Dunand family, visit the GoFundMe page.
