Locals rally for Zac's fundraiser

Ian and Amanda Richens and son Zac celebrate with family, friends and supporters last Sunday.

December 12 is a date indelibly etched on Amanda Richen’s mind.

On that date in 2004, her two-year-old son Zachary was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Amanda’s world was turned upside down as Zac endured an intense program of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, platelet transfusions, blood transfusions and long periods in hospital.

Brave little Zac took all the punishment his condition, and the treatment, threw at him and, with the support of his mum, fought hard.

Then last year Amanda received the news that her “little champion” was in full remission.

The date was December 12.

Last Sunday, the Richens family hosted a Shave for a Cure barbecue at Coolum’s Tickle Park attended by dozens of friends and supporters, many of whom shaved or coloured their hair to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“We had an initial goal of $500 – we got that on the first day from putting the word out to people,” Amanda said.

“As at today we’re at nearly $2000. We say thank you to the Leukaemia Foundation annually by assisting with fundraising to support other families who will travel our similar journey.”  

Amanda said the gravity of Zac’s situation hit home the first night he was admitted to hospital.

“I watched, from the outside of our room, an innocent nine-year-old who had just lost his battle being wheeled through the long corridor accompanied by his parents and hospital staff,” she said.

“I had never been to a funeral before and that year I attended too many, all children – my most memorable being Zac’s best friend Jarod who was just one year older than Zac.  

“Jarod is now our little star in the sky and we release a single white balloon in his memory on his birthday each year.”  

As a single mother at the time, Amanda had to resign from her job to concentrate on her son’s health.

“We lost our home, our car and were forced to survive on a few thousand dollars from the sale of our home, together with minimal Centrelink financial support.

“Through the support of the Leukaemia Foundation and Clem Jones we were housed in a home near the Mater Children’s Hospital so we could at least have a few hours a day when Zac was allowed to be released from the hospital to come home for a few hours of peace, quiet and normality.”

Amanda needed a job where she could work around Zac’s treatments so she completed a beauty therapy and nail technology course and worked for free at a beauty salon to gain experience.

Finally, after fours year of suffering, uncertainty and worry, the tide started turning for Amanda and Zac.

Last year Amanda married Ian Richens, Zac got two new siblings – 14-year-old CJ and Nina, 12 – the family moved from Brisbane to Peregian Springs and Amanda started a home-based business, Nail Creations By Amanda.

And, of course, Zac got the all-clear from his doctor.

Now seven, the young tearaway is in Year 2 at Coolum Primary School.

Ian, who has known Zac since he was five, is in awe of his courage.

“He’s a tough little boy,” he said.

“He’s got a lot of drive and a lot of energy. That’s why he’s got through I think.”

CJ had his head shaved on Sunday “in support of my little brother, who went through chemotherapy and, thank God, survived”.

“He’s very brave,” CJ said.

“I don’t wish what he had done to him on anyone.”

Amanda said she would never forget the journey she and Zac had taken together.

“Thank goodness for our oncologist and the people at the Mater Children’s Hospital who got us through it – and my gorgeous family,” she said.