To see the glowing smile on Benson Sisia’s face, you’d never know the incredible battle the special little boy as been through.
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Three years ago doctors discovered Benson had developed a golf ball-sized brain tumour.
After the diagnosis, the Griffith community rallied behind the family, chipping in close to $40,000 through a range of different fund-raisers to help.
Benson’s dad, Ray Sisia, and mum, Kate Linnegar and Benson’s brother, Ronaldo, relocated to Sydney, where Benson underwent many months of harrowing treatment. But last week Ms Linnegar and her boys were back in town visiting friends.
Ms Linnegar said it felt good to report to the compassionate community of Griffith that four-year-old Benson was doing well.
“Three years ago Benson was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour and that night we flew to Sydney so he could have it removed,” she said.
“It’s been more than two years since he finished treatment and he has an MRI every four months. The last one was three weeks ago and there were no signs of recurrence. All of his blood works were good.
“He has just had a big assessment and his development is coming along. He will be able to go to school next year, so lots of good things are happening for us and him. Originally his chances were not good, but now as time goes on, things are more promising. Griffith will always have a special place in my heart. The Griffith community got behind us and were amazing and we never forget that.”
On Friday, Ms Linnegar and her boys caught up with a few of the people who helped them, including Jason Restagno, who was president of the Hanwood Football Club at the time of Benson’s treatment.
In 2011, president of Yoogali Football Club, John Sergi and Mr Restagno held a fund-raiser for the family.
“I was president of Hanwood Football Club at the time and we heard they were going through a hard time,” he said
“In about three days our two clubs had raised $14,000. It is amazing to see how good he looks. This is the first time I’ve actually met him and he’s a special little kid.”
Mr Restagno also presented Benson and his brother with Hanwood Football Club jerseys.