The Riddells Creek basketball community is rallying around one of their own as she and her family face the battle of their lives.
Seven-year-old Lily De Haas was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year and is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The family is heavily involved with the Riddells Creek Junior Mixed Basketball Association. Her dad Chris is a coach, mum Simone is on the committee and their children, Lily with older siblings Joel and Brianna, all play the game. Mrs De Haas updates friends and family online about Lily’s treatment and describes their first hospital visit as “hard work”.
“She was scared and confused and finding it hard to articulate why she was so fearful,” Mrs De Haas posted.
“The tumour … has made her right side very weak and she now needs assistance to walk and eat. She is very frustrated and upset that her body won’t do what she wants it to.”
An online crowdfunding campaign to assist the family has raised almost $40,000 in two weeks.
“Our family would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and love,” Mrs De Haas said. “Words fail me when it comes to describing just how grateful we are to you all. We feel very blessed.
“Thank you also for your patience as I wade through all your messages.”
Riddells Creek Junior Mixed Basketball Association will hold a number of fundraisers next month, including a Hope for Lily grand final fun day on March 26 and a Pony Poo Bingo event.
More details are on the association Facebook page. To donate, visit: bit.ly/2lxr3Vq
