RELATED: Fighter Jett tackles rare cancer
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While 15-month-old Jett Hamley and his parents prepare to embark on another round of chemotherapy, the community is rallying to assist their efforts to beat a rare cancer.
In two months, a GoFundMe campaign in Jett’s name raised more than $15,000 to help ease the financial burden faced by the Kangaroo Flat family as they support their first child through treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital, in Melbourne.
Friends, who organised the appeal, said there was little else they could do to help the family.
As more people became aware of Jett’s condition, more fundraising initiatives were created.
More than 40 eBay users bid on a Bendigo weekend package sold via an online fundraiser auction, which raised $390 towards the GoFundMe appeal.
A second online fundraiser is underway, with four Melbourne Storm clubhouse tickets up for grabs.
Jett’s great uncle Ian Hamley has arranged a night of “classic country music” at the Golden Hills Motel on Saturday, from 8pm.
Door entry is $6 per person, payable on the night at the door.
Meals are available for two hours beforehand. Funds will be donated to Jett and his parents.
Jett’s aunts have organised a family fun day fundraiser, which runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday at Big Hill Vineyard.
The public event includes a gourmet barbecue, performances by Grim Fawkner and Jack Loe, and children’s entertainment.
The Mustang Owners Club Victoria will host a Show and Shine exhibition at the event.
Organisers said all were welcome to attend.
Tickets are $20 per adult and are available on the day. A gold coin donation is requested for children under the age of 12.
Funds will be donated to Jett and his family, and to Cure Cancer Australia.
Jess Wilson, Jett’s mother, said she was amazed by all the support the family had received.
“It hasn’t stopped,” she said.
She was particularly impressed by how many businesses had contributed to the family fun day.
“It’s been absolutely unbelievable,” Jess said.
“People want to know how he’s doing and see the progress.”
After a fraught period a few weeks ago, when Jett’s condition worsened, Jess said her son was ready for his next round of treatment.
“The strength our little man has is unbelievable,” Jess said.
Jett has had three surgeries since December and starts his third round of chemotherapy on Friday.
His tumour has been conveyed to Colorado, in America, for further analysis.
Jett will undergo an MRI in a few weeks to determine if the treatments have been effective.