Xavier was diagnosed with Stage III Embryonal Rhabdomysarcoma of the bladder at just 23 months old.

Reeling from the diagnosis, Xavier’s parents Nerida and Donovan, and big sister Indyra were then forced to relocate over 1,000 kilometers from home to keep the family together as Xavier started treatment.

‘Hearing the words “your child has cancer” is something you never get over.’ says mum Nerida of the moment their world was tipped upside down.

Xavier endured 52 weeks of hospital treatment including 45 rounds of chemotherapy, plus radiation therapy and surgery to remove the tumour. After a year of treatment he was declared as having no evidence of disease.

Even after Xavier was released from the hospital, his life remained a never-ending series of tests, scans and appointments to ensure his cancer did not return and to manage his long-term side-effects of his treatment.

Nerida credits the Starlight Express Room as a saving grace for both her and Xavier as they spent hour after hour at the hospital attending all Xavier’s appointments.

‘Xavier loved the “purple people” as he used to call Captain Starlight, and you could hear him crying all the way down the hallway when I told him it was time to go home!’ recalls Nerida.

In 2019, Xavier was granted an amazing Starlight Wish, dedicated to his love of all things planes, trains and automobiles! The whole family was able to enjoy an adventure, travelling to Melbourne where they had fun riding trams, steam trains and boats — VIP style of course!

The highlight for Xavier however was his very own flight simulator training, with thanks to Virgin Australia!

Now nine, Xavier looks forward to taking to the skies again with Virgin, on his way to Happiness Island!