Nine Telethon: Anev Goon shares story to rally funding for Queensland Children’s Hospital

Young Anev Goon is a warrior. She has survived an aggressive cancer but is one of hundreds of Townsville children who need hospital treatment. Here is how you can help.

YOUNG Anev Goon is a warrior.

The nine-year-old Deeragun girl was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – one of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer – when she was just one.

Anev’s cancer reached Stage 4, and took over the bones from her head to her toes.

Now she is celebrating seven years in remission, with no evidence of the disease returning.

“She is a testament of strength, and a true ambassador of the age-old adage that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger … she’s a warrior,” her mother Anita said. However, Anev’s relationship with hospitals is still going strong, as she undergoes treatment for pre-existing bone conditions, including kyphoscoliosis and osteogenesis imperfecta, which were worsened throughout her cancer treatment.

Kyphoscoliosis is a combined spinal abnormality, and osteogenesis imperfecta is a group of disorders characterised by fragile bones that break easily.

“There are a lot of things Anev cannot do as a result of her condition but that doesn’t stop her zest for life and one day she hopes to bring love, fun and happiness to the lives of other sick children. She has lived so many lifetimes in her short life,” Anita said.

Anev is now the face of a billboard to promote the Nine Telethon, encouraging people to donate to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

In the past year, almost 300 admissions to Queensland Children’s Hospital were children from Townsville.

The telethon will fund vital medical research, lifesaving medical equipment, and patient and family support
services.

It will be broadcast live on Saturday, November 14 at 3pm.

>>To donate visit 9telethon.com.au or call 1800 909 900.

Originally published as Nine Telethon: Anev Goon shares story to rally funding for Queensland Children’s Hospital