Meet Aaron

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It's been almost 12 months since Stacey and Scott learned that their oldest son, Aaron, has leukaemia.

"Numb, just numb" are the only words Stacey can muster to describe the horror of the day she and her husband, Scott, heard their GP utter those unthinkable words.

"It didn't make sense. The day before, Aaron had won man-of-the-match at soccer. He'd gone to school that morning. Everything was just so... normal."

But it was anything but normal. Within an hour of visiting their trusted family doctor, nine-year-old Aaron was being rushed to Brisbane for urgent treatment for a rare type of leukaemia.

Aaron and his family were suddenly thrown into a world of hospital emergency rooms and paediatric oncology wards... and incredibly painful lumbar punctures. Aaron has fought the fight of his life. And, he has recently turned a corner. Two weeks before Easter, Aaron and Stacey finally came home.

His battle isn't over yet - but try telling this feisty now-10-year-old that he can't conquer the world! Within days of going home, despite being in hospital or hospital accommodation for almost 12 months, Aaron was back at school. Today, he's managing three days a week in the classroom. It will take time. And he'll still be fighting leukaemia for many years to come.

Aaron will be on oral chemo for the next 3 1/2 years, and there will be regular lumbar punctures, blood tests and more... but he's proved that he's a fighter.

In recognition of Aaron's battle, and his amazing courage, we have launched an appeal to support life saving cancer research projects , such as our Tumour Bank.

This state-of-the-art research repository, one of only two paediatric tumour banks in Australia, was recently established through the generosity of supporters of the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.

Resources like our children's cancer research tumour bank greatly speed up research. Without them, scientists can waste many years accumulating enough samples for meaningful research. These banks - available to scientists throughout the world - enable researchers to investigate questions about cancer that would otherwise be difficult or impossible... and they give children like Aaron a greater chance of beating leukaemia and other childhood cancers.

Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference: by supporting childhood cancer research, and by working wonders in so many other ways for sick kids. And don't forget to donate before 30 June so you can claim your generosity on your upcoming tax return.

PS: If you can spare a moment, please leave a message of encouragement for Aaron on this website. He'd be thrilled to know that you have supported the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation in his honour!

33 Comments

jasmine on Friday 19 February, 2010

hi Aaron! My name is Jamsine. I am 12 years old. i read your story. So soory and hope you get better soon. seeing all the ill children in that hospital makes me sad. get better soon!!!!
Maree Ross, Petrie on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron! I just recieved a newsletter letting me know about your story. You are an incredible little man, and incredibly brave. I was very moved by your story, and i do know how hard it can be spending so much time at the hospital. I had twins last year and one of them, Grace, has a lot of complications, so we do spend a lot of time at the childrens hospital. I really do appreciate how hard you are fighting, keep on going Aaron! I also loved the wonderful photos of your gorgeous family too. You are a very lucky man to have such a lovely and supportive family. I just wanted you to know that i have also organised a monthly donation to the foundation on your behalf too! I hope this makes you smile. We know only too well that the more support the foundation recieves, the less time it will take to find cures to diseases. And my twins, Lily and Grace, and I are thinking of you and your family. Much love to you all, Paul, Maree, Lily and Grace Ross
Annie Matthew, Darra on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hey Aaron I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all the time. And that I am so glad you are home. Keep on fighting, and remember that optimism and love are the key tools in fighting any battle. Love Annie.
Zoe deLuca, Twin Waters on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron I am a friend of your Mums and have been sending prayers and huge hugs your way. You are an incredible young man that with an unbelievable fighting spirit. Great to hear you are back home and getting back into life again. Give Mum and Dad an extra hug for me and keep that beaming smile on your face. Love Zoe
Gracie, Jamboree Heights on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Dear Aaron, I am 10 years old just like you... I have sent all my pocket money to support you! I hope you keep believing in yourself lots of love, Gracie
Mary, Kenmore on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron Have just read your article and I think you are extremely brave. Well done for your tremendous courage. I will pray for you and your family and ask the angels to watch over you always. You have a beautiful smile and Im sure an equally beautiful person. Many blessing to you and your family. God bless you every day
Cassie, Brookfield on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Aaron, you are now the strongest kid in the world. I cannot believe what you have gone through..you are a hero to everyone.
Belinda, Bridgeman Downs on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hello Aaron, i just read your story in the newsletter and was inspired so donated to the foundation straight away. I just want to let you know that you are a very brave and special person. My heart goes out to you and your family. Always remember that God and his angels are watching over you.
Deonne, Albany Creek on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron, you are a wonderful boy and an inspiration to all, keep smiling and never give up. We are all are praying for you and all other sick children. Be strong!!
Belle Dawson, Caloundra on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron,Stacey,Scott. Hayden & Kiren. Great to have you all back home and almost leading a normal life again. Aaron I always thought you were a wonderful child , So handsome too. Well you certainly have proved to the whole world how incredibly brave you are. Not forgetting your two brothers who also had their life put on hold for 12mths. Stacy and Scott I love you both and share in your pain but it has got better with time. I know there will still be some ups and downs but you are two absolutly wonderful people and parents. You are always in my thoughs and hope to see you when you pop into work again. A coffee sounds great in our staff room with us as we really do care for you and your family. My daughter (Bronwyn)sends her love too she could not access the site to send a message so love from Belle, Bronwyn and the Buderim Meadows team. Thoes angels will continue to look after you Aaron. I know, how could they resist you.xxx
Sonja & David, Maryborough on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron. Your Mum and Dad must be so proud of you. We have been supporting the RCHF for many years now. In 1991 our eldest son was a patient there because of menigitis caused by a disease now everyone is immunisised against. Being in hospital can be hard its so great to be home to sleep in your own bed. Do not worry if your Mum and Dad hug you heaps, it what we parents do. Best wishes and keep on fighting.
Cammy Macintyre, Bray Park on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Gidday Aaron, first up, love the cheeky smile in the photograph. My family has been affected by a similar illness and its great to see that you have returned to school. I bet you never thought you would be so glad getting back to school. Mate you will be back bigger and better playing soccer and kicking GOALS. Take care and our special Zoe and family will be thinking of you.
Shirley Murray, Pilton on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

You are a great family and you will succeed as this set-back has made you all the stronger. Keep fighting.
Sam, Morningside on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

I just read your story. You are amazing and so brave and determined! What an illuminating & infectious smile you have - it just lights up those gorgeous eyes. I hope that our donation goes someway to finding a cure, so you can soon stop fighting and focus on living your life. In the meantime, I send all good things to you and your beautiful family.
Jason Scott, Toowoomba on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

hi Aaron its good that you are home now you are a very strong boy to go through all that you do and still have a smile on your face your mum dad and brothers must be very proud of you.keep on fighting and keep that big smile buddy
Christina, Bardon on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

hey Aaron you are an inspiration to me keep fighting you will get there!
Haydn and Gina Mount, Daisy Hill on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Howdy Aaron, be strong and always think positive and things will get better for you. You have a bright future ahead of you especially with the support of your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you playing soccer for Australia and want you to send us your autograph when you do. Good luck and get well soon.
Sue Mill, Currimundi on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

thinking of you and your family Ihope you are much better you are a beautiful boy,stay strong and be brave.
Janet & Gary, Helensvale on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hi Aaron, i have just read your story and think you are an extremely brave boy. I am so glad you are back at school amongst your friends and at home with your family. Best wishes to you and your family :-)
Karen & Tony on Wednesday 9 September, 2009

Hello Aaron,we were reading about you this morning and just wanted to say g'day.You sound like one tough cookie to us! Just wanted to wish you all the best and let you know that we are on your team and cheering for you mate.