Warm welcome home planned for a brave boy
STREET SET TO CHEER ON 10-YEAR-OLD RETURNING FROM RVI
FAMILY and friends of a brave 10-yearold boy are to line his street to welcome him home following hospital treatment for a brain tumour.
Michael-Luke Boon was diagnosed with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis when he was just 18 months old and also developed a brain tumour. His mum was told he would not live past the age of four.
But the courageous youngster, who has limited eyesight, battled on and the tumour stopped growing after a gruelling round of treatment.
However, it started growing again a year ago and resulted in more chemotherapy.
This treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, is due to finish on Friday and Michael will be brought back to his home in Brunton Street, Percy Main, North Shields, in the afternoon.
His loved ones are preparing a surprise for him and will line the street at around 2.30pm, clapping and cheering for him. There will also be banners and balloons at his home to celebrate his arrival.
His mum Becki Martin, 31, said she wanted to make the day special for Michael, who has always remained positive and brave since he was a child.
She explained that she noticed Michael had a squint when he was six weeks old and he was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when he was 18 months old.
His brother Tyler, 12, and sister Jasmine, 11, also have the same condition.
Tests also revealed he had a brain tumour, which had spread through the back of one eye to his brain and also affected his other eye, causing him to lose his sight. He currently has 6% sight in one eye and no vision in the other.
“He had quite a lot of treatment when he was 18 months old, quite strong chemotherapy,” said Becki.
“He was not supposed to live past the age of four.
“But the treatment stopped the tumour from growing and Michael fought through. However, a year ago, it started growing again.”
The youngster has been receiving chemotherapy at the RVI for the past year and his treatment is due to finish on Friday.
An MRI scan will reveal the condition of the tumour but early signs show that it may have stopped growing and has possibly shrunk.
The treatment was also continued throughout the coronavirus lockdown, in difficult circumstances, with Michael often not being able to have his family by his side.
Becki added: “Tyler and Jasmine have been supportive and understanding throughout, and Michael has been really brave.
“He’s always been a lively little lad and his health condition does not stop him from doing anything. He has been totally amazing.
“Michael always says to bad things that it doesn’t matter. He can still carry on and so can everyone else. He is only 10 but his message is perfect.”
On Friday, his well-wishers will gather on his street, while following social distancing guidelines, and cheer for him.