Little hero is living life to the full — medical setbacks won’t stop Jed
JED Hunt might be just 11, but the cheeky southern suburbs schoolboy is already considered a hero and has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal.
JED Hunt might be just 11, but the cheeky southern suburbs schoolboy is already considered a hero.
He has spent the past four years in and out of hospital trying to beat a rare disease, called inflammatory myofibroblastoma, which first appeared as a tumour the size of a softball in his stomach.
It was successfully removed, but complications six months later pushed his young body into cardiac arrest and led to 90 per cent of his lower intestines being removed.
Doctors then discovered the original tumour had grown back and multiplied into nine new tumours.
A course of chemotherapy briefly stopped their growth, but two new tumours have since appeared and another round of the debilitating drugs has started.
But Jed’s father, Simon Hunt, says the cruel string of medical setbacks hasn’t dampened his son’s outlook on life, nor his love of skateboarding and soccer, sports he tries to play when he can.
“I’m immensely proud, he’s been so courageous and resilient, he is my hero,” Mr Hunt said.
Jed has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Child of Courage category, for his determination and bravery against the odds.
Jed said he battled the challenges thrown at him as best he could.
“I just go through what I need to and hope for the best,” he said.
“I have really supportive friends and family, they help me and sometimes give me presents when I’m down. We even got a pet dog.
“I love skateboarding and soccer. I don’t get to do them much, but when I do, I love it.”
In 2012, Jed met one of his idols, professional skater Tony Hawk.
He has also rubbed shoulders with Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and tossed the coin at a Crows AFL game.
“It’s been really cool, it’s awesome, but it’d be nice if I could get a bit better,” he said.
The Seaford Meadows family, which includes mum Maria and sisters Ella, 9, and Lyla, 5, have benefited from the support of several children’s charities, including the Little Heroes Foundation, which have provided tutoring for Year 6 student Jed.
The foundation’s list of support options is rapidly growing.
During the 2012-13 it provided 225 services to 61 families in 2012-13, a figure which grew to 92 families and 432 services in 2013-14.
They gave 18 families with seriously ill children play equipment during 2012-13 and 27 families in the past financial year.
The number of times support such as house cleaning, physical therapy and financial assistance are needed over these two years has also risen, while help with car parking, petrol and special needs equipment has also grown.
Do you know someone like Jed? Nominate them at www.theadvertiser.com.au/pride
To support the Little Heroes Foundation, visit www.littleheroesfoundation.com.au
To nominate someone for a Pride of Australia award, visit advertiser.com.au/pride