LEADER readers are generous people and they proved just how generous in their response to our front page story of December 20 about Lulu Demetriou and her struggle with an aggressive childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.
*The family fun day will be held at Sydney Park, St Peters, on February 2. Proceeds go to Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for research into neuroblastoma (see details below).
The raffle fund-raiser organised by the Purcell sisters, who together own Cronulla fashion outlet Dutchee Dutchee, raised more than $10,000 for Lulu, 3, and her parents, Tony and Josi of Cronulla.
"My sisters and Mum and I got teary as people came in store or went online to donate," said Brigitte Purcell.
"A little eight-year-old girl even came in and told us how she and two little friends doorknocked their neighbourhood and raised about $40. They brought it in with a handmade card for Lulu. So caring and sweet!
"It has been an emotional 'little women's fashion shop' as we all, customers included, get very emotional about Lulu's story.
"We were elated to be able to present Josi with a cheque for just over $10,000. This will really help them at a time when they are struggling. Josi said she can't express enough how touched she is by everyone's support."
Brigitte Purcell said the account set up to receive donations for Lulu would remain open and any donations would be forwarded to the Neuroblastoma Australia research foundation.
Neuroblastoma is predominantly a childhood cancer with the average age of diagnosis being just two years old. It claims more lives of children under five than any other cancer.
Donations can be deposited in the St George Bank account named: Board ABC, BSB 112 879, account number 4306 42732.
The future now brighter
THE Mazzucco family have a sick little boy, but they count themselves very lucky.
Luciano, 4, has neuroblastoma — a cancer that claims more lives of children younger than five than any other cancer.
Luciano and Lulu Demetriou (see story left) had treatments together at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Lulu, with stage 4 neuroblastoma, has a tougher battle ahead. But Luciano, after three operations and eight rounds of chemotherapy, is now in remission.
‘‘We are lucky because there have been lots of kids who haven’t made it,’’ his mother Maria, of Bexley, said.
‘‘Luciano was stage 3 when he was diagnosed at 14 months, and because the tumour, which was pushing up against his lungs, was so large, they couldn’t operate.
‘‘The treatment worked for him; he responded well.
‘‘But there is a likelihood it could come back.’’
Survival rates average 50percent but for aggressive neuroblastoma it is only about 15percent.
The Children’s Cancer Institute Australia has three promising research programs on neuroblastoma, which need ongoing funding.
Mrs Mazzucco and her family are part of a fund-raiser organised by parents whose children have the illness.
The family fun day will be held at Sydney Park, St Peters, on February 2.
Proceeds go to Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for research into neuroblastoma.
There will be a farm, pony rides, jump castles, painting, cupcake decorating, food stalls, fun runs and a 1 kilometre walk for children.
Details: http://neuroblastoma.org.au/
See related story: http//www.theleader.com.au/story/1196051/just-one-christmas-wish-for-lulu/
