Cambell's Story (Merriwagga)

Cambell is a typical eight year old boy who loves to play on his family’s farm in Merriwagga, 100kms from Griffith. Last October his mum Ellen discovered a lump on his neck and tests revealed that Cambell had a type of cancer called ‘Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma’. Within days Ellen and Cambell were driving the seven hours to Sydney so Cambell could begin specialist treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

“Walking through the doors of the ward for the first time was like walking into a new world,” said Ellen. Over the next four months Cambell bravely underwent an intensive course of steroids and chemotherapy treatment. Fortunately, Cambell did not suffer from many of the side effects children can experience during this physically exhausting, yet vital treatment. Even on the darker days, Cambell kept a smile on his face.

“I was very impressed by the support of the caring doctors and nurses during this difficult time” said Ellen, “it was so uplifting to see Cambell and the doctors sharing jokes during their morning rounds.”

Cambell has now returned home and his family are thrilled to have him back on the farm. For the next five years Cambell will be monitored by Sydney Children’s Hospital with regular check ups to make sure the cancer does not return.