14 year old Chris Richardson, a Year 9 student at Maroochydore High School, loves sport and is very good at it. He doesn’t know the meaning of slow down and has a heart much bigger than his small stature would suggest.
Chris has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that is found in teenagers, particularly boys. He is now faced with a long year of chemotherapy treatment and surgery, which will result in him having part of his tibia and knee replaced.
Chris has been a Sunshine Coast Regional representative at the Cross Country State Championships several years in a row, a premiership player from the 2011/12 season for the u 15 Maroochydore Cricket Club as a fantastic wicketkeeper and a courageous, in and under midfielder playing AFL for the Sunshine Coast Jnr football club Maroochy Roos U16’s.
Sadly, Chris’ sporting aspirations have taken a very unexpected back seat to what now is the fight of his life. Chris has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that is found in teenagers, particularly boys. He is now faced with a long year of chemotherapy treatment and surgery, which will result in him having part of his tibia and knee replaced.
For the Richardson family, this has been a big shock, and one that no parent ever wants to have to face. What began as a small lump just near his knee and some pain when walking/running and Chris appearing healthy, became much more sinister when a scan requested by his Doctor picked up this serious condition.
Chris, who lives in Bli Bli as the youngest and only boy of 4 children, remains optimistic and has kept his great sense of humour. A keen AFL supporter, Chris was blown away to have a recent visit by one of the legends of the game of AFL, Jonathon Brown, the Lions full forward. Presented with a jumper and tickets to the game, Chris fought off his nausea to attend the match at the GABBA against Collingwood.
A group of people representing the many groups that Chris and his family are involved with, have set up a fundraising appeal called “Chris Conquers Cancer”. They appeal to everyone to please support this very worthy cause to help one of our local families as they undergo an emotionally and financially debilitating journey.
Please visit http://www.chris.org.au/ for more information about how you can help.
Last Modified on 06/08/2012 00:35