Child’s play: Alex Poar, 2, playing with his toys at the Leukaemia Foundation accommodation facilities.
When most people think of Christmas, the thought of loved ones sharing food and gifts in the comfort of a beloved family home comes to mind.
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Unfortunately, this is not everybody’s reality.
For a number of families staying at the Leukaemia Foundation accommodation facilities in Melbourne and around the country, Christmas is spent surrounded by medical tubes and the faint beeping sound of monitors.
The little more fortunate health-wise are able to go home for the day, but the exhaustion of coming to the end of an extremely difficult year of fighting cancer still looms.
One strong boy who’s been a little trooper since his diagnosis is Shepparton local Alexander Poar.
Currently receiving another round of chemotherapy, Alex, 2, will return to his home town on Friday, just in time for Christmas.
Alex’s mum, Breeanna Poar, described the timing as a blessing, and expressed her appreciation for the Leukaemia Foundation’s accommodation facilities in Melbourne, where the pair spent the majority of the year while Alex underwent treatment for his acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
“With the indefinite relocation to Melbourne for Alex’s treatment, I had to give up work,” she said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the accommodation provided by the Leukaemia Foundation; it’s definitely helped ease some of the financial burden.”
The Leukaemia Foundation’s accommodation service has not only provided the Poar family with a home away from home, but also allowed them to connect with other families staying at the facilities and experiencing similar circumstances.
To continue its ongoing work supporting families such as Alex’s, the Leukaemia Foundation Christmas Appeal is asking Australians to dig deep this festive season and donate to the charity.
Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal help to ensure every Australian, regardless of where they live, that hears the words ‘you have blood cancer’ can access the support of the Leukaemia Foundation.
This includes providing specific education and information, practical and emotional support, accommodation while undergoing treatment, transport to appointments, and many other services.
The donations also assist the Leukaemia Foundation to advocate for equitable access to new therapies and treatments for blood cancer, and to further invest in vital research.
Alex’s story is a reminder for people to hold on to their loved ones tight this year and enjoy a very merry Christmas and a new year filled with hope and joy.
Donations to the Leukaemia Foundation Christmas Appeal can be made at leukaemia.org.auor by calling 1800 620 420.
Bookworm: Alex Poar, 2, enjoying a read in the waiting chair.
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