Even on the darkest day, five-year-old Odyn finds brightness. His mum Tahleaha says it’s like he “sees the world in brighter colours than the rest of us.” He’s caring, kind natured and spreads a quiet joy everywhere he goes.
The youngest of three, Odyn loves riding his bike and playing outside with his brother Harlan and sister Willow.
When Odyn suddenly complained of stomach pains, his mum took him to the GP who ran some tests. When the pain didn’t go away and a lump appeared on his side, Odyn was put on antibiotics and referred to a specialist.
While waiting for the appointment, Odyn did his best to keep doing all the things he loved. But while out playing one day, Odyn was accidentally hit in the stomach by a soccer ball.
He screamed in pain, vomited and lost consciousness. Odyn was rushed by ambulance to the hospital.
There, doctors delivered the devastating news to Tahleaha and dad Adam that Odyn had a rare and aggressive cancer.
“In that moment, our life changed forever. We will never unhear those words from the doctor. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught us greater patience, compassion and what truly matters - and that’s family,” Tahleaha said.
Odyn didn’t leave hospital for the next month and spent two weeks in paediatric intensive care with chest drains and breathing tubes attached to his little body.
He then started the first of his nine cycles of chemotherapy. After chemotherapy Odyn will need surgery then another six rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation.
Odyn just four at the time, was suddenly in the scary, unfamiliar world of hospital facing a year of cancer treatment.
“The hardest part for Odyn is not understanding his diagnosis - he knows he’s sick but it’s hard to explain at that age,” his mum said. “He misses his preschool friends and just being a normal boy playing in the sand pit, swimming, riding his bike or simply having a bath because we can’t get his central line wet.”
For his treatment, Odyn has to stay on the hospital ward for at least five days for one cycle of chemo and two days for the alternative cycle. Three times a week he also needs anti-fungal treatment, blood work and dressing changes as a hospital outpatient.
“Our daily lives have been significantly impacted as I’ve had to close my small business, and Adam has had to go back to work on reduced hours. Overall, the diagnosis has been life changing in the most heart-breaking way,” Tahleaha said.
Amid so much pain and sadness, Starlight has helped keep Odyn’s sunny personality shining with moments of fun and happiness.
On his long days on the ward, Odyn’s face lights up when the Captain Starlights arrive. He also loves playing Bingo on Starlight TV from his hospital bed, giving him something fun and positive to look forward to.
“As soon as Odyn sees the Captains, he has the biggest smile and calls them his friends,” mum said.
When he’s feeling well enough, Odyn heads straight to the Starlight Express Room to play games and make slime with the Captains. It also gives him a fun place to spend time with his brother and sister when they visit the hospital.
“The Captain Starlights are amazing! They brighten not only Odyn’s day but his older siblings too. It’s a little escape from the hospital bed,” Tahleaha says.
Odyn still faces months of treatment ahead, and his family are so thankful Starlight is there helping to make every hospital visit a little bit brighter.
“Our hospital experience wouldn’t be the same without Starlight. The Starlight Express Room is such a special place to go and take a breath away from the wards. Laughing and having fun is so important for kids in hospital going through the toughest times.”
