Connor's Cancer Journey (Rocket)

Cancer is a tough ask for anyone to face but for 14-yo Connor Clarke, having his family 1.5 hours away from his bedside at the Royal Children’s Hospital while he endures an 18-week course of treatment for lymphoma, his challenge will be an even harder one.

Can you remember when you were 14? Imagine yourself at that age, being diagnosed with cancer. A huge hurdle to face – but imagining doing it with everyone you love – mum, dad, grandparents, all your friends, your pets, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles – 1.5 hours away from you, and how much harder that would make your experience of this terrible disease.

Connor is from the regional town of Ballarat but after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma (DLBCL), a condition rare in children, he was admitted to Victoria’s premier children’s hospital where he will start a chemotherapy treatment under close observation. Connor is a very active lad, playing football, swimming, and racing his pony both under saddle and in the cart. Being bed-bound for this extended stay will be extra challenging for Connor while he is such a long distance away from all his friends, pony and extended family.

You can make a big difference to this little boy with your donation – all funds collected will go toward Connor’s initial treatment over the next five months. The less the family need to find for this fundamental part of his journey, the more often they can afford to make the three-hour round trip, making sure Connor has his mum, dad and brothers and sister by his side to keep his spirits up to face this challenge the best he can.