Happier times: Talin's school photo taken earlier this year.
HE HAS one wish - to turn six; and up until little more than a month ago, there was no reason to think it would not come true.
But for brave little Talin Hawkins, the countdown until his birthday on June 14 is now tinged with unimaginable sadness for his devastated family and friends, and the wider community.
Talin, a kindergarten pupil at Gymea Bay Public School, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable and deadly brain stem tumour last month after he collapsed in the school playground.
His plight became widely known through the Facebook page, Talin's Wish.
As of yesterday, more than 3700 people were following the status updates posted by his mother, Cassandra, and her friends.
His father, Gerry Tye, started his own blog, talinsworld.org, and Facebook page (see separate story).
Radio 2GB host Alan Jones recently made an emotional plea for help to make Talin's final wishes come true.
While his biggest wish is simply to make the most of what precious time he has left, his supporters are putting all their efforts into a carnival-themed birthday party planned for this weekend.
Talin was undergoing daily radiotherapy until a decision was made last week to stop treatment and move him into palliative care.
The tumour has already taken its toll, robbing him of the ability to walk. He is also suffering a myriad of other symptoms, including nausea, headaches and extreme tiredness.
Ms Hawkins's friends are asking for donations for the party and are raising money to help ease the financial pressure Talin's illness has placed on the family.
Details: Donations of $2 or more to the Lynne King Cancer Care Foundation are tax deductible. BSB 112 879; account No. 57233518; Reference Talin's Wish. Visit
www.facebook.com/TalinsWish#!/TalinsWish/info
.