Six today: Talin Hawkins with his mum Cassandra at his recent birthday party at Gymea Bay Public School. Picture: JettyBlue Photography
HIS story has touched thousands of hearts.
As of yesterday morning, more than 11,500 people had "liked" the Talin's Wish Facebook page and every day, thousands of people post messages or comment on status updates and photos on that site and another, Talin's World, set up by his father, Gerry Tye.
The messages of support have brought comfort to Talin Hawkins' mum, Cassandra, during his brave battle with a deadly brain stem tumour.
"I am so supported by so many beautiful people," she told the Leader last week.
Ms Hawkins said she had no choice but to stay strong for Talin, who turned six today and his brothers, Tristan, 13, and Kyan, 4, since his initial, shocking diagnosis in April.
"The doctors said 'he will die soon and there is nothing you can do'.
Ms Hawkins said it became harder as she watched her son deteriorate.
"Talin is really unhappy about his health and what has happened to him and that he cannot do the things he wants to do and cannot express himself," she said.
While the tumour had caused facial paralysis that robbed him of the ability to smile, Ms Hawkins said he understood people "were doing all these beautiful things to try to cheer him up".
And while he hadn't asked, and no one told him, he knew he was dying and said he was not afraid.
He told his mother recently that when he died there would be a room for his body to rest in before the angels let him build a "flying house".
Ms Hawkins said she found solace in the messages she received each day from strangers touched by her son's plight.
She believed Talin's soul had "chosen this path" in order to affect people and described the flow-on effects as "like a tsunami".
"Other parents are hugging their children today because of what Talin has gone through," she said.