May 6th, 2008 - Go the Reds…
Since Cameron was diagnosed we have been blessed with the friendship of a lovely young girl named Elicia, whose heart has been so touched by all the children with cancer and their families since coming to visit Cameron at RCH that she now visits other friends of Cam’s when we are not there. Then, recently Elicia took it upon herself to arrange a box at Suncorp Stadium and the opportunity for those kids who are undergoing treatment for cancer and their respective families to attend the Reds game on Friday night. What a fantastic time we all had. Sadly one of the kids who was expected to come had to be hospitalised at the last minute, so could not make it but her Mum and sister came along and everyone so thankful that they themselves had managed to stay well enough to make it.
Of course we were all so hoping the Reds would because the event was made possible by support from the Reds organisation and although that didn’t quite happen the children had such a blast and was the result as far as we were all concerned. After being directed to parking right outside the stadium entrance and making our way to the box where the food and refreshments were all laid on, the kids were delighted to discover a Play station and an X-Box, which Elicia had organised. So the children played games, watched rugby and even had the company of three Reds players Lloyd, Oli and Herman before the kick-off and right through half time. Then Caleb, another player joined us for a while as well. The guys just chilled with the kids, played games, chatted and watched the game with all of us. It was a real pleasure to meet them all and the children all came away loaded up with stickers, caps and posters signed by all of them. Cam was his usual caring self, making sure everyone got their caps signed including a full set of merchandise that he set aside for little “B” who was missing, but who did not miss out. Her mother was so touched by Cam’s caring attitude.
It is difficult to explain the emotions of seeing not only the children, but their families enjoying such a special evening out together in the midst of their respective journeys, which somehow allowed everyone to escape from the oncology routine, to feel special and set aside their cares for just a few hours. After the game if anyone saw all the kids running down the corridors, chatting and laughing they would not have known they were any different if it weren’t for their bald heads and nasal feeding tubes flapping around behind some of them as they ran. The evening was another reminder of how quickly we can find ourselves somewhere in life that is completely unexpected and in such a short space of time be so touched by and counted among people whom we had no previous idea even existed.Â
On Saturday after Owen’s rugby and Carlton’s soccer games we made one of our now regular trips to Nambour hospital for Cameron to have a new insuflon fitted once again. Sunday after church our life group met at the beach and we enjoyed great company as usual. Cam was a little frustrated as he could only watch all of the kids swimming and boogie boarding and then he really was not at all amused when I had to intervene and stop him playing touch rugby on the beach… Yes he was running and all the rest and when I told him he wasn’t allowed to play contact sport he said “Mom, I already fell and I knew to cover my chest”…..Argh… anyway Bill took him off fishing nearby, but they didn’t tell me that the insuflon in his leg had got damaged playing rugby until after they had been fishing, as Bill did not want me to ruin Cameron’s fishing by dragging him off to Nambour Hospital.
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Today was a Queensland public holiday so after an early trip to the hospital for another insuflon Bill took all of the boys fishing along the Maroochy River. Later on I brought them lunch and it was so good to see them in their peaceful little spot with Radar the dog, just being a normal family. My heart delights at these scenes that most of us are able to take for granted. When I left I took Carlton and Owen home with me as they’d had enough of feeding the fish, which meant Cam got to spend some quality time with Bill. Cameron had a near perfect weekend as we wound it up with his favourite, a BBQ at home yesterday evening.
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“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” Maria Edgeworth
May 8th, 2008 at 5:47 am
Moms do panic dont they sis!!!!! I still do and mine are adults. Cam glad you are having such a good time but take care sweetness dont over do it, your time will come give my love to your brothers and you and mom give each othher a big hug from me love to your dad and gran. Sweet dreams love as always
Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx
May 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Hi Cameron,
What a wonderful opportunity to have gone to the Reds game, with all your friends & families.
I have not been able to check your website for a few weeks, so I was so happy to hear how well you are doing. As you say your “radiation suit” etc does not look pleasant but it is all worth it for the treatment, to help you along your journey to perfect health, again. Your great attitude & faith will get you there soon!
You sure are an inspiration to us all with your wonderful courageous attitude. It was wonderful to read your posting on the web, it is so wonderful to know that you have amazing faith in God. He will continue to watch over & care for you, Cam.
We continue to pray for you & all your friends.
lots of love to you & the family
Mark, Louise, Kimberly & Chelsea