Nearly three years ago, 10-year-old Zac Chapman, of Perry Bridge, and his family were dealt the news that he had leukaemia.
He is currently in remission, but it has been a harrowing time for the family, so a special holiday to the Gold Coast this month will help to recalibrate and have a bit of fun after all the treatment.
Zac, his sister Annie (11), and mum, Kylie Chalmers, will jet off with his grandparents to stay at Mantra Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise from October 14 to 20 thanks to a special wish granted by the East Gippsland branch of Make-a-Wish Australia, along with gift bags of goodies for Zac and Annie they can use on their trip, like a hat, drink bottle and beach towel, and a loaded credit card for Zac with travel spending money. They’ll even get vouchers from Donut King to enjoy donuts every day while they’re on holiday.
“Zac was diagnosed in 2017, nearly three years ago,” Kylie said.
“There was a lot of travelling to and from Melbourne for treatment over that time, but in the last couple of months he’ s been okay, so he’ s now really looking forward to this holiday.”
Part of the wish includes a visit to Sea World and an opportunity to see some whales, which was close to the top of Zac’ s wish list.
Make-a-Wish Australia East Gippsland branch wish coordinator, Jacqui Banson, said it’ s important that young kids who have been hit with illness like Zac and their families get a chance to get away from it all and have a bit of fun after all their treatment.
“It’s important too that siblings like Annie are included in the wishes we provide, because they’ve been through a lot, seeing their brother or sister being so sick,” Jacqui said.
Make-a-Wish Australia East Gippsland has in recent years granted about three wishes a year, but it is getting more difficult as the group’ s numbers have dropped.
“We’re always open to welcoming new members,” Jacqui said.
“Our man power is getting light on and we’d love to have others come on board to grant these amazing wishes to local kids and their families.”
The East Gippsland branch’s next big fundraiser will be its annual shopping spree with many Bairnsdale businesses involved in the big night that will take place on Friday, November 29. They will then host a barbecue at the Christmas themed East Gippsland Makers Market at Boucher Hall on Saturday, December 7.
PICTURED: Make A Wish East Gippsland volunteer, Angie Tomkins, (left) and wish coordinator, Jacqui Banson (right), with wish recipient, Zac Chapman (centre), his sister, Annie, mum, Kylie Chalmers, and stepbrother, Brody Gordon. Zac, Annie, Kylie and Zac’s grandparents are looking forward to jetting off to the Gold Coast to fulfill Zac’s wish, which includes whale watching.
