When Cruz received his Student Leader badge at school his mum and dad couldn’t have been prouder.
The achievement meant the world to them after seeing their son face some of the darkest times imaginable.
Cruz is a fit, outdoorsy kid who loves throwing a fishing line in the water, playing sport and four-wheel drives.
But a few weeks before his 9th birthday, Cruz’s fun outdoor pursuits started to fade as he experienced stomach pains and bloating.
His mum Taylor said when he wasn’t getting any better and had no appetite, they took him to the hospital to have the issue checked out. It was assumed it was constipation, so Cruz was later sent home.
But his condition deteriorated over the following days and when he fainted, started vomiting and was passing blood his parents wasted no time.
“He was doubled over in pain, so we raced straight to the Children’s Hospital,” Taylor said. “It was frightening to see him go downhill so quickly.”
Doctors discovered a large blockage in Cruz’s bowel and he was rushed in for emergency surgery. The blockage was successfully removed and sent for testing.
Cruz recovered from the surgery but within days, the family received the news that shattered their lives.
Cruz was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and suddenly the family were in the scary and overwhelming world of cancer.
“It was such a shock. We never imagined our son would spend his 9th birthday in hospital having a lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration before starting chemotherapy,” Taylor said.
As Cruz endured rounds of tests and treatment in hospital, the family’s life became unrecognisable.
Mum Taylor had to leave her job in childcare as the risk of bringing home an infection was too high and she needed to focus on Cruz full-time. Dad Lachlan, a firefighter, juggled the demands of work while also being there for Cruz. It was hard for Cruz’s little sister Remy too who was cared for by close family and friends.
Taylor said Cruz struggled with the changes in his physical appearance and feeling disconnected and isolated from his school and sport friends.
The family is so thankful Starlight was there with much-needed fun and laughter during those tough times.
“Without Starlight, hospital would have been a dull and lonelier place. Cruz had some very dark days, but Captain Starlight’s visits would always perk him up. As parents, it was nice to be able to sit for a moment and watch him enjoy something during such a difficult time.”
As Cruz slowly gained back his strength, he had the exciting news that he’d been granted his Starlight Wish.
Planning his dream Brisbane Broncos wish gave Cruz and his family something positive to look forward to.
“He’s a big Broncos fan and he’d seen some of his favourite QLD players in the State of Origin, so it was top of mind!” his mum recalls.
To kick start his wish, Cruz and his family watched the team train the day before the match and met all the players at Broncos HQ. Cruz was given a special Broncos jersey with his name on the back signed by the whole team.
On game day, Cruz was given the VIP treatment at Suncorp stadium and watched the Broncos take on the Melbourne Storm and win! The family then joined the team in the sheds to share in the post-match celebrations.
“As a family, to watch him experience so much joy, happiness and excitement after enduring the unimaginable is something that we will remember for the rest of our lives,” his mum said.
Cruz has now finished his treatment and ‘rang the bell’ in hospital to mark this incredible milestone. He competed in the Noosa Superkidz Triathlon, has joined a baseball team and wears his Leadership badge with pride.
His mum says family life is returning to normal, Cruz is happy and healthy, and they have so many happy memories from Cruz’s Bronco’s wish to look back on.
“His Starlight Wish meant absolutely everything. Cruz said it was the best day of his life. Our thanks to everyone who made this possible for us.”
