'Absolutely devastating': Queenstown boy's cancer fight begins again

A Queenstown family is once again confronting the fear and uncertainty of childhood cancer, after their son Dylan’s neuroblastoma returned following more than a year of intensive treatment that initially brought hope of recovery.

Dylan Yallop, 5, was first diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in January 2024, days before his third birthday. He underwent 16 months of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and immunotherapy before being declared well enough to return to normal childhood life.

But in May this year, the cancer came back.

Dylan Yallop, 5, with his family Vanessa Lenihan, Hayley Yallop, 9, and Chris Yallop.

A Givealittle campaign created by family friend Gary Hough says the relapse has left the family facing urgent decisions about specialist treatment overseas, including potential clinical trials in the United States.

As of this week, the page has raised more than $87,000 from over 1000 donors in about seven days, as support continues to grow.

Hough told the Herald that Dylan’s family had already endured an exhausting first battle with the disease.

“It was really the cruellest thing possible because obviously the family had gone through it before,” he said.

In May, Dylan’s family received the news that his cancer had returned during follow-up care.

Dylan had appeared to be recovering well after his initial treatment, with scans showing no signs of disease and plans for a celebratory end-of-treatment milestone.

“He was unbelievably brave and strong and got through like 16 months treatment and came out the other side,” Hough said.

The relapse was discovered during what was expected to be a routine follow-up phase.

“They came back and said it’s there,” Hough said.

“He showed no signs. It was absolutely devastating for a family, so really shocked.”

After 16 months of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy, Dylan was declared well enough to return to normal childhood life.

Dylan has since restarted chemotherapy in Christchurch, with treatment potentially stretching across many more cycles depending on how he responds.

“It could go up to round 16 in New Zealand.”

If treatment is successful enough to qualify, the family is hoping to access specialist options overseas, including immunotherapy and vaccine-based clinical trials in the US.

The emotional toll on Dylan’s parents, Chris Yallop and Vanessa Lenihan, has been significant as they balance treatment, travel, work and caring responsibilities for their children.

Hough said the family is now focused entirely on Dylan’s wellbeing as they navigate a second diagnosis in a short space of time.

“They are doing what every parent would do, [that] is just being there for Dylan, giving him the strength and support he needs,” he said.

Dylan was first diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in January 2024, days before his third birthday.

Despite the seriousness of his condition, Hough said Dylan continues to show remarkable resilience.

“He’s super strong and just getting on with it as best he can. The doctors are shocked by how high his pain thresholds are, and how he’s able to just be so normal considering what’s going on.”

Hough said the public response has been a crucial source of support during an overwhelming period for the family.

“It’s not huge donations, it’s a lot of $20, $50 donations, but it’s from everybody,” he said.

“And seeing that number tick along, it just gives [the family] such a lift every day to know that it’s all going in the right direction and that people are behind them.”

He said the goal of the fundraiser is to ease pressure on the family so they can focus fully on Dylan’s treatment.

“We just want to take that burden off them where they just concentrate on being there for Dylan,” Hough said.

He said wider national support could make a decisive difference.

“If we could get a real big national push, it would be life-saving and life-changing for the family.”

Donations can be made to Dylan and his family at this link.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.