Brave young boy

Nicolaus Andersen is only three years old and has already spent almost half his life in hospital.

But this year the brave young boy celebrated his first birthday with no signs of cancer.

He turned three earlier this month and was treated to lunch and a magic show with his friends at Tokoroa McDonald’s.

The milestone was something to celebrate as the road has been tough for the family of four, soon to be five.

It started when Nicolaus was only a few months old, Diane and her husband noticed Nicolaus had a lump on the side of his stomach.

The pair were concerned and said they were told it was nothing to worry about.

But at 10 months old, Nicolaus passed out and was rushed to hospital.

It was there they found out the diagnosis of kidney cancer called the Wilms’ tumour.

Nicolaus was taken to Starship Hospital in Auckland after an operation to have his kidney removed

The operation was followed by a pain-staking process of chemotherapy and radiation.

At 18 months, the family was told the good news that he was clear.

It seemed to their relief, everything was OK only to have more bad news of a tumour of his lung a few months later.

Half of his lung was removed and he continued with more treatment.

Now that Nicolaus is in remission, the family hope to slip back into normal family life.