James is a six-year-old boy from Bokarina who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in January. James received surgery from world renowned surgeon Dr Charles Teo to remove the tumour in February however recent scans revealed that the tumour had grown back.
James’ only chance at survival was another operation followed by ground-breaking treatment in Belgium.
Late last Thursday afternoon James’ family found out that Dr Teo would have to operate today (Monday). The cost of the surgery would be $80,000 and the money was required by Friday afternoon.
Rare Cancers Australia created a page to receive donations for James and the call went out with the community responding in a stunning fashion.
Within hours $40,000 had been donated and the entire $80,000 was in the bank by 5pm Friday.
“I want to thank everyone who donated, shared Facebook posts, forwarded emails and attended fundraising events for James. You have all contributed to James’ ‘tree of life’ and have given him a chance at a future.
“I spoke to Dr Teo’s office this afternoon and they told me that the surgery went ‘amazingly well’ which is a great outcome and another important step in James’ journey,” Mr Brough said.
Donations can still be made to assist with the trip to Belgium and ongoing medical costs by visiting the Rare Cancers Australia website www.rarecancers.org.au and clicking on the ‘Help us to help James’ link.