THE Romsey community is rallying to help the family of a boy diagnosed with two life-threatening diseases.
Four-year-old Mathew Stannard was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia earlier this year.
At the same time, he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome - a multi-system genetic disorder of the connective tissue that affects the heart, lungs, eyes, skeleton and nervous system.
His father Steve also has Marfan syndrome and his 20-month-old brother Shaun has also been diagnosed.
A fund-raiser is being organised to support the family. Co-organiser Mia Fichera said four local women had got together to help the family in any way they could, including easing the financial burden.
A Mathew's Challenge comedy gala and auction will be held at the Glen Erin Winery in Romsey on June 19.
It will feature appearances from
comedians Tom Glesson and Claire Hooper and entertainment from Michele and Adam Johnstone. There will also be door prizes and live and silent auctions, with all proceeds going to the Mathew John Stannard Trust.
Mathew's mother, Kerry, said the family had been through a lot since her son was diagnosed on January 20.
"We went through a hell of a lot in a short period of time. You don't expect a child to be diagnosed with two life-threatening diseases in a short space of time. We've had more than our fair share."
She said Mathew was undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which were expected to go on for 3 years.
Because of the cancer treatment it is not possible to treat the Marfan syndrome at the same time.
"That's what makes it hard. While he is fighting the leukaemia, the Marfan syndrome cannot be treated due to the chemotherapy being administered. He has been extremely unlucky. It's like being struck by lightning twice."
Ms Stannard said she was overwhelmed by the community support the family had received.
"The girls - Melanie Traynor, Nicki Ferraro, Mia Fichera and Anna
Quigley - have been absolutely fantastic. We call them Mathew's Angels, they are so special."
"It's overwhelming that everyone
has been and is going to be so generous.
"We are not used to accepting charity, and originally we said no to the fund-raiser, then with much thought we graciously accepted the offer to ensure our son Mathew could have anything he may need for his health and well-being."
She said the charity night would help ease some of the financial pressure.
"We've lived in the hospital for a month, but that didn't stop the bills coming in or the mortgage needing to be paid. We don't want to lose our home - this is Mathew's home."
Tickets for Mathew's Challenge are $50, including nibbles. They are on sale at Romsey Newsagency, Chess Property Consultants, Romsey Auto Care and Romsey Post Office. For details or to donate goods, services or money; call Melanie Traynor, 0430370360 or Nicki Ferraro, 0438178891.
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