Five-year-old Zachary’s mum Taylor describes him as “the kindest most caring kid, with the biggest heart”.
Zack shares a wonderful friendship with his three sisters, but is especially close to his sister Scarlett who is just 17 months older than him, and they’re often mistaken for twins.
Zack had just started his very first week of school with great excitement when both he and his older sister Mylah came down with a tummy bug.
While Mylah got better over the next few days, Zack continued to struggle with his symptoms. He was pale, off his food, and had developed a fever. When he began to complain of extreme tummy pain, and started to fall asleep sitting up on the couch, dad Dion decided to take him to the local hospital for testing.
There, Dion was told Zack would likely need a blood transfusion because his blood levels were extremely low. They were sent immediately to the nearest children’s hospital for further investigation.
“While we were waiting for Zack’s test results, everyone’s spirits were high. We thought ‘he’s going to be fine’ and I dropped the kids off at school and headed in for my first day back at work after my maternity leave,” recalls Taylor.
Taylor was on her way to meet Zack and Dion after work when she received the phone call no mother ever wants to receive. Devastatingly, Zack had been diagnosed with cancer.
“It was a moment I will never forget” says Taylor. “It was so traumatic, but I just had to get to the hospital to see him. Once I was on my way home again, my body went into complete shock.”
Zack began chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia the very next day and remained in hospital for the next two weeks.
The treatment had a severe and immediate effect on Zack. He put on 5 kilograms over two weeks, lost his hair, and became extremely angry “about everything” says Taylor. He lost a lot of muscle tone and now needs a wheelchair to move around.
As a family with four young children, their sudden change in routine was extremely difficult to manage. Taylor and Dion were pulled in different directions, making sure everyone was cared for.
For Scarlett in particular, Zack’s illness had a massive impact. Given she and Zack had always been inseparable, it was a huge shock for her to suddenly be without him by her side.
As Zack continues his treatment he is constantly in and out of hospital, and endures frequent invasive and traumatic procedures.
Throughout his ordeal Zack has felt isolated and alone. As he sees his siblings and friends carry on with their lives, he is sad to be missing out on all the things he loves.
Thankfully, Captain Starlight has been there with Zack every step of the way to help keep his spirits high.
When Zack was first admitted the Captains came to visit, only to find Zack already had a friend in the room... his IV pole, which he had named “Sausage”! The Captains were delighted to meet another new friend and set about finding him an appropriate outfit. The Captains gave Sausage a face and dressed him up, complete with gloves and hair.
“The Captains were fantastic with Zack, and really got on board with what he was doing. It’s one thing I will remember forever and cherish. The extent they went to, to put a smile on his face. He still talks about it to this day.” says Taylor.
Zack also loves to spend time in the Starlight Express Room whenever possible. The promise of a visit to the Starlight Express Room always ensures Zack will readily go along to any appointment!
Taylor and Dion also love that all their children can go and have fun in the Starlight Express Room, allowing them some much needed family time.
“Mylah and Scarlett love playing Mario Kart with Zack, and Hannah will sit down and play with some toys, so they can all spend some time together just being siblings. The girls really look forward to playing with the Captains as well.” says Taylor.
When Zack was in hospital over Easter, the Captains had organised an Easter egg hunt around the hospital for families, which was a much-needed source of fun and excitement for the girls.
“It was so great that they could do a fun activity together and have some special time with each other, instead of just missing out altogether” says Taylor.
Zack’s parents will be forever thankful for the happiness Starlight has brought to their family at the darkest of times. To those who support Starlight, they would like to express their thanks.
“Starlight creates the only bit of happiness Zack gets at the hospital. Knowing there’s a place he can go and have fun and be a child is huge. It offers him an opportunity to be a kid. Seeing the kids’ faces light up... it is such a source of happiness. It’s important that places like this exist.”
