Uraidla family left speechless after footy club dedicates day to their 2-year old son with cancer

A playtime tumble followed by a terrifying combination of symptoms left Archer’s mum seeking a second opinion only to uncover a heartbreaking diagnosis.

The local footy community has banded together to support little Archer Soar after the two-year-old’s shocking leukaemia diagnosis in May. Picture: Russell Millard

A shock cancer diagnosis for a two-year-old has spurred a local footy community to band together in his support.

Little Archer Soar, a happy and active boy who loves playing outside, kicking a ball and dancing to music, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May.

His parents became concerned when Archer had tripped over during playtime and refused to walk afterwards.

But doctor’s tests could not determine a clear cause.

His mother, Stephanie, recalled the “frightening” combination of symptoms that followed in quick succession.

“He had a sudden onset of a fever that wouldn’t go down, bruising on his body in spots he hadn’t knocked, red pin prick spots (petechiae) appearing all over his body and a really pale complexion,” she said.

A blood test at the Women’s and Children’s emergency department confirmed the worst.

“Our hearts broke hearing the news,” Stephanie said.

Archer soon stopped crawling and walking for a couple of months, which Stephanie said was “difficult to witness”.

Despite the challenges, the family said they feel incredibly fortunate to have high-quality care and support – from the hospital, doctors, nurses and staff, as well as their community who have “helped them navigate the past few months”.

Archer’s parents, Liam and Stephanie, have been long-time members of the Uraidla Districts Football Club.

Now, the club has come together for a fundraiser dubbed “Archer’s Day”.

The footy club has encouraged members to “go buzz or go blue”, shaving or colouring their hair for their home game against Mount Lofty on July 5, in support of Archer.

Michael Tudor, a friend of the Soar family, said the idea was hatched by eight friends who wanted to go the extra mile to support little Archer.

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Despite the challenges, the family said they feel incredibly fortunate to have high-quality care and support – from the hospital, doctors, nurses and staff, as well as their community. Picture: GoFundMe

Parents Liam and Stephanie have been left speechless by the community support including setting up ‘Archer’s Day’. Picture: GoFundMe

“This is one of those things that, until it happens, you don’t think about or know much about,” he said.

“And then someone close to you has something terrible like this happen … you want to just do everything you can to support the people that you love.”

What started as an initiative by friends has become a community event, with a GoFundMe raising $13,000 in a week.

The star of the show, Archer himself, will be on the field with his dad Liam, who’s making a triumphant return to play his 250th senior game after stepping away to support his son.

“When the club approached us with this idea of Archer’s Day, we were grateful, to have our boy shown so much love and support especially at a place he loves to be is so special,” Stephanie said.

“The response to the day … left us speechless. We are very excited and looking forward to it.”

You can help donate here.

Originally published as Uraidla family left speechless after footy club dedicates day to their 2-year old son with cancer