AFTER being affected by the neuroblastoma, the De Beaux family from Willagee have been thrown into action to raise money.
Max de Beaux (6) was diagnosed with the disease in April last year when he was at pre-primary at Winthrop Primary School and his treatment is ongoing.
Neuroblastoma is an almost-exclusive form of childhood cancer, as a solid tumour arises from particular nerve cells in a child’s abdomen and chest and into the skull following the line of the spinal chord.
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READ NOWWinthrop Primary School pre-primary teacher Lisa Chamberlain said the impact of the disease was huge for Max’s schooling.
“Max’s attendance at school was impacted by a number of treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even when he was able to attend he had to be monitored closely due to his body’s inability to fight off something as simple as the common cold,” she said.
“A temperature meant he would automatically be admitted back into hospital for a minimum 48 hours.”
“He is a beautiful kid with a wonderful smile, who has developed friendships at the school.”
A fundraiser for Neuroblastoma Australia has been organised by the De Beaux family, Ms Chamberlain, family friends and parents from the school.
Soiree on the Swan will take place at The Swan Yacht Club in East Fremantle on October 19 at 7pm.
Ms Chamberlain said the school and the community had been able to support the family.
“We had lots of advice about what to tell the other children and once the chemotherapy started, the other children noticed the changes,” she said.
“We had Camp Quality come in and do a puppet show to explain what was happening, it aimed to address the children’s questions about cancer and talked about how you can be a good friend and supportive of children and siblings impacted by cancer.
“The fundraiser was thought about last year, but the family wasn’t going through too much.
“The school community supported the family by filling up the De Beaux’s freezer with homemade meals, starting a Go Fund Me page and filling jars with coins that could be used for parking at PMH.
“We are hoping to raise $10,000 from the event for Neuroblastoma Australia.
“It’s a huge night for the families, we are hoping to help families just like the De Baux family.”