By Matthew Sims
Eight-year-old Berwick resident Henry Jenkins was announced as the top fundraiser supporting the 21st Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy Railway last month.
Children between three and 12 raced against Puffing Billy from the Gembrook station in races from 150 metres to 1.2 kilometres on Sunday 26 November.
Families across the district helped raise about $45,000 towards Monash Children’s Cancer Research Centre as part of the Monash Children’s Hospital.
Alongside his six-year-old brother Thomas and three-year-old brother Samuel, Henry raised a total of $1167 for the cause.
At only four years old, Henry was diagnosed with Stage 5 Nephroblastoma (Wilms Tumour) a malignant tumour originating in the cells of the kidney.
His mum Jade said his diagnosis left the family devastated, with the first sign that something was wrong being when Henry had a sore and bloated tummy.
Henry was admitted to hospital to start 12 weeks of chemotherapy before doctors could operate, then enduring a nine-hour lifesaving operation to remove the tumours and parts of his kidneys.
After his surgery, he underwent three weeks of radiotherapy with daily general anaesthetics, followed by 34 gruelling weeks of chemotherapy.
The repeated painful procedures coupled with the side effects of nausea, vomiting and fatigue were very difficult for Henry and his family.
Henry’s mum Jade said it was special for the family to show their appreciation for the Monash Children’s Hospital for saving Henry’s life, with Henry receiving gifts and a plaque from his oncologist Professor Peter Downie.
“He is now two years in remission and happy and healthy,” she said.
“We had really incredible care there.
“The Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy was a fun opportunity for our boys to fundraise and give back to the Children’s Cancer Centre.”
