Community
9 June, 2023
AFL rallies around teen
Fundraiser today for 16-year-old girl diagnosed with leukaemia
AFL Cape York House – for Girls (AFLCYHG) has been rocked by the sudden news that one of their young students has been diagnosed with leukaemia.
In consideration of cultural needs, and at the family’s request, her name will not be disclosed.
She is a 16-year-old year 11 student from Badu Island in the Torres Strait.
Boarding manager Sean Hunter said the student was known for her bright, positive, and bubbly nature.
Immediately following her diagnosis, she was urgently transferred to Brisbane Children’s Hospital, where she commenced chemotherapy and treatment support.
He said currently the young student and her mother live in long-term accommodation at Ronald McDonald House.
He said staff members and young students had rallied together and initiated AFLCYHG ‘Buzz and Cut’ to raise much-needed funds to support the student and her family.
“Her family has had a very strong connection with AFL Cape York over many years. Her brother and sister have previously represented the Crusaders in the AFL Cape York Game Development Program and in 2021 her elder sister graduated from AFL Cape York House – for Girls,” Mr Hunter said.
“AFL Cape York House – for Girls considers itself a home away from home for its students and has fostered family-like connections that run deep.
“At first, three staff members jumped on board to ‘buzz’ their hair to outwardly signal they are with their dear friend every step, but now we have 23 staff and young people ready to show their support,” Mr Hunter said.
He said a long-term staff member, Wanda Pone, is the only female cutting to the chase and shaving off all her hair.
Staff member Brad Campbell is shaving off his moustache, which he has not cut in more than 18 years since he was 16.
Also, Dylan Burns, who has been growing his hair over the past decade, has committed to shaving off the ponytail.
Mr Hunter’s son, Noah, 6, is shaving his head as well because he’s got a connection with the older sister and wants to show his support.
“Our primary objective is to raise funds to provide crucial support to the student and her family throughout her highly unexpected treatment journey,” he said.
“The purpose of why we created this fundraising initiative was to be able to show her our support, but also to be able to provide her and her family additional support given the challenges that they face in the upcoming months.”
Money raised will also assist relatives from the Torres Strait to visit Brisbane.
The event is at AFL Cape York House - for Girls today (Friday, June 9) from 2.30pm
