Melton has a little “superhero” in William Smith.
The Batman and Lego-loving youngster was diagnosed with stage five Wilms tumor, a type of childhood cancer that starts in the kidneys, just a month shy of his fifth birthday in June.
His battle started with six weeks of intensive chemotherapy before surgery on the cancer found in his right kidney and lungs last month.
The Melton community heard William’s story and is throwing its arms around the Smith family by organising the Will 2 Fight charity ball on August 26 to raise money for the family’s long struggle ahead.
An online GoFundme campaign has raised nearly $25,000 in the past fortnight. Mum Monique told
Star Weekly that everyone, especially William’s dad Kye and eight-year-old brother Cameron, wanted to see him well again.
“He is our little superhero,” Ms Smith said.
“He is a boy who loves Lego and Batman, all the superheroes, and barracks for the Bombers – especially his favourite player Dyson Heppell.
“Prior to this diagnosis he was a very well, happy boy and had spent a wonderful Mother’s Day with very close family friends.”
William had his left kidney and 25 per cent of his right kidney removed early last month. Post surgery, Ms Smith said a biopsy of the tumor confirmed stage 5 Wilms.
“There is a likelihood of a relapse with a tumor possibly coming back,” Ms Smith said.
She knows there’s a long road ahead for William involving many months of chemotherapy and years of hospital visits.
She said she is thankful for the support from those close to her “little superhero”.
“William has shown great strength, as too have the family tackling each day as a new one,” she said.
“Despite being fatigued and lethargic, he has shown amazing maturity and strength.
“We are all aiming for William to get better post treatment [to] get through a two year remission period so he can be fighting fit, attend school and be well enough to make it to Legoland and Disney World.”
The Will 2 Fight charity ball will be held on Saturday, August 26 from 6.30pm to 11pm at Laila Reception in Brunswick.
Details: Seda.Zielke@BTfinancialgroup.com or donate online here
