Putting problems into perspective
Many people have problems in their lives such as Street signs that are not being cleaned, Councils that are not “doing the right thing”, neighbours that have trees that block their view or cast shadows on their gardens.
All these things pale into insignificance when you consider a family being told that their four year old boy is suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is caused by an overproduction of white blood cells that prevent the bone marrow making normal blood cells. As they spill into the blood stream and circulate around the body these cells are unable to function properly to prevent, or fight infection.
Treatment is long and not pleasant, though if diagnosed early enough and treatment started quickly, the outcome is in so many cases is positive.
The Amisano family, Mum Kylie, Dad Charlie, and daughters Shantelle and Kirra, along with four year old Tristan, and Grandma Margaret, were given the news on the 13th December, that Tristan had tested positive the A.L.L.
Treatment commenced straight away and the family moved into Ronald McDonald house for six weeks. The treatment has been ongoing at either The Lady Cilento, or Caboolture Hospitals, and involves chemotherapy, either by tablets, IV, or by Lumbar Puncture. Regular blood tests are the norm.
This has caused tremendous stress and worry for the entire family, as their lives now have to focus on Tristan, transporting him to Doctors, Hospital, Blood collections, and always watching for symptoms to reappear, or, a rise of temperature, indicating an infection.
The Rainbow Stars Support Service http://www.rainbowstarsfoundation.org/ became involved with the family and has arranged to send the family away for a short holiday, with no Doctors, or Hospitals, though Tristan did have to have blood tests while on Holiday.
Mount Tamborine was the chosen location for the holiday, and many local businesses have rallied around to give the family a wonderful time here.
Beacon Convention Centre. has supplied a weeks free accommodation for the family. John Pengliss from Cedar Creek Winery. organised a visit to the Glow Worm Caves, Alison Shaw from Ripple Massage arranged for Kylie to be pampered with a one hour massage, and the family had a wonderful Breakfast at Drift Café.
Flights of Fancy organised a wonderful craft session with Tristan.
The Botanic Gardens got together a huge picnic lunch that was enjoyed by the whole family and Tristan was thrilled to go for a drive around the Gardens in the Gator,
Mum Kylie, Sisters Kirra & Shantelle, Tristan, and Dad, Charlie Amisano, at the Botanic Gardens
See turtles, eels, and fish in the lake, and have a close up meeting with the family of Tawny Frogmouths that are resident in the Gardens.
Following the box of Fudge delivered to Mum Kylie, by Fudge Heaven another massage, at Lisson Grove Day Spa was appreciated, before having afternoon tea at Spice of Life.
Tristan also enjoyed a horse ride at Thunderbird Park.
Kylie said, “Our time at Mount Tamborine has been fantastic and Tristan has been so happy to be able to just get out and enjoy himself. We are so grateful to all those people who have contributed to make this an unforgettable week.”
She went on to say that Tristan has been very brave throughout his ordeal, never complains, and always has a smile for everyone.
Kylie also wanted to praise Lisa at QML, who she said did the best blood collection Tristan had ever had. Kylie was thinking of how she could kidnap Lisa to Caboolture!
Tristan faces another 17 months of treatment.
Thanks to these fantastic sponsors for making this possible
Beacon Convention Centrehttp://www.qccc.org.au/
Cedar Creek Winery http://www.cedarcreekestate.com.au/
Ripple Massage https://www.ripplemassage.com.au/
Drift Cafe http://www.drifttamborine.com.au/
Flights of fancy https://www.facebook.com/twist.of.whimsy
Fudge Heaven http://www.fudgeheaven.com.au/
Lisson Grove Day Spa http://www.lissongrove.com.au/experience.html
Spice of Life http://spiceoflifecafedeli.com/
Thunderbird Park http://www.thunderbirdpark.com/thunderbird-park/
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens Volunteers http://tmbotanicgardens.org.au/
Article by Roger Lenahan – Botanic Gardens Manager