Sunshine Coast fundraiser for Alex Surf Club family reaches $100,000

An unbelievable groundswell of community support has raised more than $100,000 for a Sunshine Coast lifesaving family who have copped a tough cancer diagnosis for their child.

A GoFundMe campaign for the Hansen family who are about to embark on a tough cancer journey has skyrocketed to almost $120,000 in less than 24 hours.

Jordan and Jack Hansen’s daughter, Aspen Mae Hansen, was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia on Tuesday at Sunshine Coast University Hospital after waking up the day earlier with small bruises on her body.

The family were rushed via ambulance to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane where she will begin treatment for acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) – the most common type of cancer in children.

Jack and Jordan Hansen's daughter Aspen has been diagnosed with childhood leukaemia.

It’s a battle that will involve chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and constant trips to the hospital.

Aspen, who is almost two, is also an older sister of five-week-old, Valley.

A GoFundMe called ‘ALL in for ASPEN’ has been set up by Mr Hansen’s sister, Jessica Andrews, and by Friday afternoon raised $117,220 in 21 hours.

Ms Hansen is a teacher and Mr Hansen is a well-known surf lifesaving identity on the Coast, being a former Mooloolaba ironman and current head coach at Alex Surf Life Saving Club for the past seven years.

Jack and Jordan Hansen's daughter Aspen has been diagnosed with childhood leukaemia.

 Alex Surf Club general manager Ashley Robinson said it had been an “emotional” week for the family and everyone close to the Hansens.

“Obviously, they’re devastated, but now the journey (to fight it) begins,” Mr Robinson said.

“They know it’s leukaemia and that it is the most common one. But, we’re not sure what the severity is yet.”

Mr Robinson understood treatment would be a “long haul” and while it was a tough time he believed the amazing community response to their plight would help raise the spirits of the family.

“That (fundraising response) is a fine example of the high regard Jack and his family have within the lifesaving community,” he said.

“It's really heartwarming.

“While I’m sure it’s (money) helpful for the long battle ahead it must also be encouraging and a morale boost with what they’ve been going through.”

Jack and Jordan Hansen's daughter Aspen has been diagnosed with childhood leukaemia.

Mr Robinson said Mr Hansen had played a major role in the development of nippers and their transition into senior life saving over the years at Alex Surf Club.

“While we have differing opinions he is like a family member to me and obviously we all want to get a good outcome,” he said.

He said the club would also aim to hold a fundraiser for the Hansen family in the near future.

“We’ve been inundated by people who want to help, it’s non-stop,” he said.

“Once we get a plan of what the treatment will be and over what period we will have a fundraiser at the club.”

To help the family, donate here.