James Lennon and Salman Waheedy with Freo players Josh Deluca, Lachie Weller, |Connor Blakely, Ethan Hughes and Ed Langdon.
Camera IconJames Lennon and Salman Waheedy with Freo players Josh Deluca, Lachie Weller, |Connor Blakely, Ethan Hughes and Ed Langdon. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell        www.communitypix.com.au d441465

Brave kids win awards

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

But one thing they do share is bravery in the face of adversity over the past six months.

They were among eight children given an AJ Diamond Club Annual Bravery Award, an honour created by the Fremantle Dockers and South Metropolitan Health Service to recognise bravery among children who have endured medical issues throughout the year.

For six-year-old Lynwood resident Alaaeldin, a visit to Armadale hospital with symptoms including weight loss and muscle wasting resulted in a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, a kidney condition.

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Despite undergoing medical treatment and a long road ahead, his positive and co-operative nature has enabled a return to school.

In May this year, after a week of intense migraines James Lennon (15) was admitted to Fiona Stanley Hospital where he was diagnosed with an acute sinus condition called pansinustis, which caused his forehead bone to bulge due to severe infection.

James had surgery to drain his sinuses and the Canning Vale teenager has been on the mend since.

Since birth, Canning Vale toddler Salman Waheedy (3) has been in hospital every three months.

The brave youngster has a severe case of bronchiectasis which puts him at risks of ongoing infection.

Salman " known for his Spiderman onesie " kept smiling throughout his treatment and remains a playful and happy child, making his family proud.

Fremantle player Sean Hurley said listening to the children's stories put a lot into perspective for the players.

"Seeing these kids and how much they've gone through, hopefully this brightens their day," he said.

"You think you have problems on the football field if you don't hit a pass or are in bad form, but those problems are nothing to what these children are going through and the resilience they have shown is unbelievable."

A spokeswoman for the South Metropolitan Health Service said the awards were a great opportunity to educate people about alternative paediatric services to Princess Margaret Hospital.

"A lot of people don't know their local hospital in Rockingham, Fiona Stanley and Armadale have great paediatric services," she said.