Help kids’ brave fight

HE MAY only be seven years old but Townsville’s Patrick Gregory has demonstrated a level of courage that even adults would struggle to show.

Last year Patrick was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and underwent an exhaustive and frightening regimen of intensive treatment that included four cycles of chemotherapy and the insertion of a heart inhibitor after he also suffered heart failure.

Patrick is in remission but faces a long road towards being considered cured, and every bit of help will go a long way towards getting him through.

Patrick, his sister Charlotte, 4, and mother Kimberley Norris are among the many families being supported by the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which is running its annual Regional Wall Token Appeal with Woolworths.

People can buy a $2 wall token from Woolworths stores from now until September 10.

All money raised will help the Children’s Hospital Foundation support Townsville Hospital.

“Patrick was having fevers and night sweats, and he was lethargic and he stopped eating as well,” Kimberley said.

“The doctors at first thought it was a virus but it wasn’t until we visited the Townsville Hospital, and got blood tests done, that he was diagnosed.

“In 24 hours we were flown to Brisbane by the Royal Flying Doctors and started treatment.

“We had to leave Charlotte in Townsville with her grandma and it was a difficult and challenging time for the whole family. We were inpatients for four months.”

Acute myeloid leukaemia is rare in children and is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and is more common in adults over the age of 60.

Kimberley says Patrick and her family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community.

“People have been amazing and Patrick’s school St Anthony’s have done so much for us,” she said.

Children’s Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Rosie Simpson said the foundation hoped to exceed the $570,000 raised last year to help young patients from around the state.

“We have the help of almost 250 Woolworths supermarkets across Queensland and northern New South Wales, filled with team members and customers passionate about helping sick kids and their families,” Ms Simpson said.

>>To find out more about the Regional Wall Token campaign visit childrens.org.au/woolworths

Pictures: ALIX SWEENEY MEDICAL WOES: Willows Woolworths is running its annual Children's Hospital fundraiser for children like Patrick Gregory, 7, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last year and is now in remission; ( inset), Kimberley Norris with kids Charlotte, 5, and Patrick Gregory.