TLC for Kids story: George
George was 4yrs old.
He was only a little boy when he was diagnosed with Ependymoma, a malignant brain tumour.
Over a period of 18 months, he had undergone 5 surgeries, 4 cycles of chemotherapy, 7 weeks of radiotherapy, and countless medical investigations. He had in excess of 15 hospital admissions, and despite his series of visits, he maintained a strong desire to be a “normal” little boy, and “just like everyone else”.
Hospital staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital wanted to help George and his family as they were in certain financial distress, as well as emotional distress, and thought they could use some help with the cost of car hire and tickets to children’s activities for their upcoming Queensland holiday. George has been undergoing such demanding treatment that they were waiting for it to be completed before the break
TLC provided an activity package for their holiday to the Sunshine Coast, including tickets for all the family to the infamous Australia Zoo, plus a family pass to ‘Underwater World’ at Mooloolaba. Budget car hire was also booked which included 2 Booster seats and 1 Infant Child seat for George and his siblings, hoping to make their travel a more comfortable and affordable journey. They had a wonderful time!
George didn’t let medical treatment and illness get in the way of life. He commenced a wonderful year of 4year old kinder, and then started school which he loved.
Unfortunately his tumour then progressed, and he was forced to spend his first Easter school holidays at the Royal Children’s Hospital again, this time, undergoing 16 hours of serious brain surgery.
When he was eventually discharged, he developed complications, and was readmitted.
On this particular admission, the staff decided to contact TLC for kids for some more support.
TLC decided to cheer George up by delivering some amazing Lego. He had such a great time making a Fire station, a Fire truck, a Helicopter, a Fire boat and even a house on fire!
The Lego was a wonderful distraction for George during the many hours spent away from his home, his two little sisters, his friends and his school.
It brought a huge amount of pleasure to a little boy – thank you TLC.” – Hugh’s mum, May 2013.
Here is a letter form the family:
Dear Deb and the TLC for kids’ team,
George absolutely loved the Lego, it brought such a huge amount of pleasure to such a little boy. I have attached a couple of photos of him with the Lego. You can’t really tell by the photos that he has a huge smile on his face, because unfortunately he has extreme facial weakness post his last surgery, but let me assure you he has! You made his day and have once again brought some sunshine back into his life, during yet another hospital horrible admission.
Thank you for your kindness, it is sincerely appreciated.
