Pride of Australia Awards 2017: Recipe for goodwill and thanks

THE lives of the O’Donohue family were turned upside down in April when they learnt then-two-year-old Madison had cancer.

THE lives of the O’Donohue family were turned upside down in April when they learnt then-two-year-old Madison had cancer.

Diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a childhood cancer that can form in the stomach and bones — she faced about a year-and-a-half of treatment, of which she has completed a third.

Her family — parents Monique and Simon and brother Levi — try to find positivity wherever they can in the face of such a challenging experience.

To help give back to everyone who has helped his sister, Levi, 7, last week participated in a cancer fundraising bake sale at his school, Westbourne Park Primary, which he had been helping to organise for a month.

Levi, with his classmates, baked about 600 biscuits — with smiley faces because he wants people to be happy — in the hopes of raising at least $500 for the Childhood Cancer Association.

In addition, his class has been helping to brighten Madison’s day.

“We’ve been making this Oreo tree for Maddy with biscuits because she likes them,” the Clarence Gardens boy said.

Most of all, he wants his sister to be well enough to play with him.

“I want her to be better,” he said.

“She used to do swimming lessons, too, like the one I do but now she can’t come in the water.”

Mr and Mrs O’Donohue have put their lives on hold to deal with their daughter’s illness, both giving up their jobs. They derive their strength from her strength.

So determined was Madison that she did her CAT scans without anaesthetic — even though doctors thought she would not be able do it.

“She’s amazing,” Mrs O’Donohue said.

“There’s still character and personality. She has everyone in stitches when she’s happy.”

Mr O’Donohue said Madison is on track for recovery.

“Results wise, she’s moving in the right direction and meeting the milestones that are expected of her,” he said.

It is individuals, young and old, like Levi and Madison that the annual Pride of Australia awards seek to honour.

Those people who go out of their way to make the lives of others, or their community, a better place or, have triumphed in the face of adversity.

Do you know a local hero who deserves recognition? Nominate them TODAY for a 2017 Pride of Australia Award , head to the Pride of Australia website