Let’s get Dehan surfing again!
Nine-year-old Dehan simply LOVES sports and being active. When he’s not training or competing in rugby and gymnastics, he’s enjoying time with family – camping and playing at the beach.
But for the last 12 months, Dehan hasn’t been able to do any of those things – because he’s battling cancer.
Being such an active kid, Dehan didn’t think much of aches and pains. One day at gymnastics, he felt pain in his arm and he told his mum, Estelle, he’d pulled a muscle. But when he woke up at 2am in extreme pain, Estelle feared it might be something more
serious.
The GP knew straight away this pain was unusual for someone at fit as Dehan, and a few tests later his concerns were confirmed. Dehan had Spindle cell sarcoma in his shoulder and needed immediate surgery to remove a tumour.
At first Estelle, Dehan’s mum was shocked - it wasn’t the sort of news they were expecting. Estelle was all alone at the doctors when she found out and had to tell her husband Alex the devastating news over the phone.
Estelle says diagnosis was ‘the last thing you would ever think it would be, no one can prepare themselves for that sort of news, but it’s amazing where you get your strength from she knew she had to stay strong for Dehan!
Dehan’s wish will give him something to look forward to; and strength to continue facing treatment to fight this terrible disease.
Before Dehan got sick, the family would often go away together to their favourite beach, and a friend started teaching Dehan how to surf. He was a natural - and rode a wave on his third try!
It’s been a long 12 months on the sidelines for Dehan, as he’s unable to go into the water during his treatment. But daydreaming about the beach and surfing has helped get him through his chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
So when thinking about his wish, Dehan wanted one thing more than anything else: “I wish I could surf!”
Dehan would love to have his own surfboard and gear so he can get back out on the waves with his mates, although reluctant to put together a shopping list we do know he would really like a long sleeve wetsuit – to ensure he is sun smart – a leg rope, wax
and board cover. He is already designing the perfect board in his mind – he wants it to be apple green!
Dehan’s wish has given him a boost of hope and strength; he’s determined to beat the odds and not to let Cancer stop him getting back out on the waves again. With your help we can make sure Dehan’s wish will come true as soon as he finishes treatment.
Just imagine the joy on Dehan’s face when he finds out his wish will come true, and when receives his apple green surfboard…
You can make this happen!
Your support will help give seriously ill children just like Dehan, the hope, joy and strength to fight their terrible illnesses.
Since 1985, Make-A-Wish Australia has transformed the lives of children battling life-threatening medical conditions through the healing power of a wish.
We’ve already granted over 8,000 tailor-made wishes to children throughout Australia. And with 2,000 children a year diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, we’re determined to achieve our vision of granting every eligible child’s wish.
Simply said, this means that the more funds we can raise, the more wishes we have the opportunity to make come true.
Make-A-Wish Australia has made over 8,000 unique wishes come true for seriously ill children across Australia since 1985.
As we receive no government funding, this has all been possible thanks to generous support from individuals like you.
In recognising our 30 years of granting cherished wishes in Australia, we want to bring the healing power of a wish to as many seriously-ill children as possible. With your help, we can ensure that we can continue to give hope, strength and joy to children
just like those featured here. Your support will make a powerful and important difference in a sick child’s life.
As these children battle their life-threatening illness, they build resilience through the hope, strength and joy their incredible wish inspires, which if not for you, cannot be made possible.
To help more seriously ill children be granted their most cherished wish come true, visit:
http://startsomegood.com/Profile/makeawish2015
