Six-year-old Jackson Cowell aiming to be Bridge to Brisbane’s bravest participant
A young boy battling a rare type of cancer is hoping be among the thousands taking part in this year’s The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane.
QLD News
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A young Queensland boy battling a rare type of cancer, that saw a cricket ball-sized tumour removed from his hip and pelvis, is hoping be among the thousands taking part in this year’s The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane.
Six-year-old Jackson Cowell has been wheelchair-bound since having the tumour - caused by synovial sarcoma - and parts of his hip and pelvis removed last year, and after having undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation.
The surgical procedure means Jackson will likely have to rely on a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Despite his harrowing journey, Jackson is keen to get out for the Bridge to Brisbane to
raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC).
“I want to raise money for Ronnie’s because they make me feel safe after my special sleeps,” he said.
Jackson’s mother Danielle Berghofer is amazed by his determination to take part in the event.
“He will be in a wheelchair and he’ll be doing it,” Ms Berghofer said.
“He’s excited, we’ve already started practising, getting his time up in the wheelchair so he can do the 5km.
“I will be pushing him along with the family, it is something to look forward to and I think it’s a great goal for him.”
Ms Berghofer is impressed by her son’s ability to radiate joy and resilience in light of the challenges he faces.
“Considering all that he has been through, Jackson is going very well,” Ms Berghofer said.
“With all the steroids and chemo, he hasn’t had the happiest time, but he’s finally starting to become himself again.
“He’s very happy, he’s just learning how to be social again.”
RMHC is the nominated charity for Team Transurban, who have already raised $75K this year.
Transurban has partnered with RMHC for the past 12 years, raising more than $2.4
million for families in need.
Bridge to Brisbane is on Sunday, September 8.
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