In a heartbreakingly tragic moment for Australian model Erin McNaught and music producer Stace Cadet, the two have been fighting one of the toughest battles any parent might ever have to endure — their young son Obi, only nine months old, was diagnosed with an enormous brain tumour. Their emotional battle has been shared freely with the public so fans and supporters could ride along with their constant fight.
From the initial signs of Obi’s declining health to the surgery and his subsequent recovery, Erin and Stace have not only demonstrated immense courage but also profound gratitude for the support they’ve received. This blog delves into their family’s journey, reflecting on Obi’s diagnosis, his surgery, and the incredible recovery that continues to amaze Erin and Stace.
The Start of Obi’s Battle – A Rapid Decline
Erin McNaught and her boyfriend, Stace Cadet, saw an alarming change in their son Obi’s condition in the months prior to his diagnosis. Obi, once a happy and healthy baby, started showing concerning symptoms. The young pair saw that Obi was having difficulty eating, sleeping, and most prominently, holding his head up straight.
As parents, it’s never easy to witness your child being in pain and discomfort, and for Erin and Stace, Obi’s deterioration in health was absolutely heart-wrenching. The couple, genuinely worried, took Obi to the doctors in the hope of discovering a remedy. But the news that the doctors revealed was much worse than they could possibly have anticipated.
The Diagnosis – A Large Brain Tumour
Erin and Stace were told on 12th June 2025 that their little boy Obi had a huge brain tumour on the right side of his head. The tumour was enormous, and the news shook their family to its core. For parents, the unknown is terrifying, and Erin’s post about the incident was one of raw emotion.
The couple immediately consulted specialist treatment for Obi, who was admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital. There, a neurosurgeon validated the diagnosis, leaving Erin and Stace heartbroken but determined to battle for the health of Obi.
On Instagram, Erin posted, “We are completely devastated and our last couple of days have been our most difficult days. Our Queensland Children’s Hospital team have been amazing, and we still hold hope that we can take away the mass and get Obi healthy and happy, subject to the outcome.”
The Emotional Path The Lead-up To Surgery
When the day of the surgery grew near, Erin posted on Instagram about the overwhelming feelings she was experiencing. The evening prior to Obi’s surgery, Erin was on the balcony, viewing the sunrise and considering the unimaginable anguish of what was to come. Her feelings were raw, and she acknowledged that the possibility of losing Obi was unacceptable. In her post, she wrote, “The thought that this sunrise might be the last one we saw with him still here on this earth was unbearable.”
Erin’s words exposed the depth of her fear and love for her son. But when Obi came out of the surgery safely, the relief they experienced was beyond expression. “When he came out of the surgery, we went back to the balcony and saw the sunset and we cried together again,” Erin remembered.
Obi’s Incredible Recovery
Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding Obi’s health, Erin shared that Obi’s recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary. “Obi has blown us away with his recovery. Day by day, achieving more and more,” she wrote in an emotional update. For a family that had faced one of the toughest challenges, this recovery was a beacon of hope and joy.
Erin and Stace’s thankfulness for Obi’s improvement is evident in their entries. “We still don’t know what his future holds, but then again no one ever does. For now we are filled with joy, and happiness, and a deep sense of gratitude,” Erin went on to say. Their optimism in the face of uncertainty reminds us of the strength of hope amid suffering.
Support from Family, Friends, and Celebrities
Through this emotionally tough time, Erin and Stace have been enveloped in love and support from family members, friends, and fans. Erin’s community has come out in support of the couple, sending support messages and words of encouragement. Interestingly, even Erin’s former husband, British rapper Example, chipped in with a message of support, posting on social media, “Love you all.”
Celebrities such as tennis player Dylan Alcott and Today Show host Renee Bargh also sent their best wishes, as did model Kate Waterhouse and actress Jodi Gordon. Erin and Stace have been deeply thankful for the support they’ve had, both personally and through their developing fan base.
A Journey of Courage and Gratitude
Though Erin and Stace are unsure what lies in the future for Obi, they have spoken of a deep sense of thankfulness for the experience they have shared with their son. This journey, as tragic as it has been, has provided them with a renewed understanding of life. In her blogs, Erin wrote of being amazed by her small family and the happiness that they have, even with the uncertainty.
“Everything considered, we cling to him, and we cling to our big boys, and we marvel at our little family,” Erin said. “How fortunate we are.”
A Long Road Ahead
Erin and Stace remain committed to Obi’s recovery, but they are also aware of the long and difficult road that still lies ahead. The couple continues to be hopeful, focusing on getting Obi back to full health with the help of his medical team. The family is determined to fight every step of the way, thankful for the ongoing support they receive from their loved ones.
“We have a hard and long journey in front of us,” Erin said. “But we are blessed to have the support of our friends and family now, and we’re keeping our minds set on bringing our little boy home.”
Erin McNaught and Stace Cadet’s journey with their son Obi has been one of heartbreak, courage, and gratitude. Their emotional updates on Obi’s battle with a brain tumour have touched the hearts of thousands, reminding us all of the strength of the human spirit. As Obi continues to recover, Erin and Stace remain hopeful, focused on their little boy’s future and the love they have for their family.
While the journey is far from over, Obi’s story serves as a testament to resilience, the power of love, and the importance of hope. The couple’s determination to share their story has allowed others to witness their strength and be inspired by their unwavering belief in the power of family and support.
