Brian Cassey, Tobias & Meningococcal Disease (PEOPLE 2026)

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www.briancasseyphotographer.com

In August 2024 at age of four months Tobias Phineasa was attacked by the meningococcal disease. Within hours of the onset he had been flown from Cairns to Townsville Paediatric Hospital by helicopter, had lost both arms, both legs and twice, very nearly, his life. Paediatric surgeon Dr Harry Stalewski said he had never seen a meningococcal case so severe. I learnt of the terrible plight and journey since of Tobias from a photographer colleague. In December 2025 I was introduced to little Tobias and his delightful mother Katie and discussed the possibility of documenting the heart-rending story. After conferring with husband Steven the couple came to the decision that 'it was time'. This portrait is the result of that photographic session.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.