Chris Richardson will never forget the day he was told he would never play sport again.
But the AFL enthusiast has not let it get him down.
The 14-year-old Bli Bli boy, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer in April, is determined to conquer it.
He has since undergone chemotherapy and a major operation to his leg which include a knee replacement.
The Maroochydore High School student said despite sometimes feeling like he was on an out of control rollercoaster, he was looking toward the future.
He said he was able to get through the tough days due to the support of his loving family, friends and the Coast community.
Throughout Chris’s fight against cancer, the Richardson family has received overwhelming support from the AFL community, as well as the Maroochy Cricket Club, Marcoola Surf Lifesaving Club and Riverlife Community Church.
Cath, Chris’s mother said the support of the community was a blessing and made all the difference.
“We are surrounded by so many amazing people,” Cathy said.
The family was presented a cheque for $500 from the Kawana Park Eagles Junior Australian Football Club.
The Eagles under-16 players wanted to show their support for Chris, his family and the Maroochydore Roos with money raised from their club through their kick-a-thon and pie night.
Kawana Park was more than willing to financially support the Chris Richardson appeal which highlighted that while the two clubs may fight it out on the field, as AFL clubs on the Coast they are one entity that supports the other.
Chris, whose motto is to “take one day at a time”, is set to start his next round of chemotherapy soon.
Cathy said despite her son’s tender age, he had taught her and the family a lot about living life to the full and making the most of every experience.
His three older sisters have set up a Facebook page, to keep everyone up to date on Chris’s progress.
Follow and support him on facebook.com/ChrisUpdates as well as on his website chris.org.au
- Help Chris to conquer cancer and go to the trivia night fundraiser on October 27 hosted by the Chris Conquers Cancer appeal – Maroochy Roos Junior AFL, Maroochy Cricket Club, Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club and the Riverlife Community Church.
The cost per person is $20 or $200 for a 10-person table.
The night will include competitions, a raffle and an auction. BYO drinks and nibbles.
The fundraising event will be held at Maroochydore High School Hall from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Donations can be made at chris.org.au or directly through Suncorp Buderim BSB 484799 account number 203109933
Tickets can be purchased through the website.
Article written by Steeven Ballein, photos by Kari Bourne
Last Modified on 05/11/2012 12:12