Northern Rivers mum’s heartbreak after son’s shock leukaemia diagnosis

“They said ‘his life is in grave danger’ ... I think I went into some kind of shock. I just couldn’t believe it. I would rather have my guts pulled out 10 times in a row than go through this.”

Lani Lewis with sons Jacob and Lucas as they struggle with Jacob's shock diagnosis.

A month ago, Lismore boy Jacob Meekin was the picture of health – a talkative kid with a “heart of gold” and a karate enthusiast.

But when he started complaining of soreness and bleeding heavily, his mum Lani Lewis began to think something could be terribly wrong.

Rushing the 12-year-old to Lismore Base Hospital, her worst suspicions were confirmed.

“They said ‘listen, Jacob’s got leukaemia, he pretty much has to go to Brisbane tonight, his life is in grave danger’,” she said.

“I think I went into some kind of shock. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Ms Lewis found out Jacob had AML Leukaemia — a rapid form of cancer that interferes with the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

It was the latest in a lifetime of obstacles for the single mum.

Ms Lewis had been stuck in Lismore government housing for the past few years, escaping a domestic violence situation, all while homeschooling sons Jacob and Lucas while working as a cleaner.

Now, she had been forced to give up the job while she cares for Jacob who is still in the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

“I would rather have my guts pulled out 10 times in a row than go through this,” Ms Lewis said.

“He’s positive but he’s so pale and weak, he wants to be held a lot.

“He really needs 24-hour care because he can barely make it to the bathroom.

“My whole life I’ve had to stress to put food on the table and now this.”

To make matters worse, the house the family were living in was contaminated with black mould and oncologists have recommended the family doesn’t return.

It was almost too much for the mum to handle.

“Everything got mould so there’s a lot of personal stuff we will lose,” she said.

“I’m 52, I’ve got to start all over again and I don’t want to even think about it.”

It was why friend Laurie Collins had started a GoFundMe for the family during this difficult time.

Already overwhelmed by support, Ms Lewis said the financial help had been “vital” in allowing her to concentrate on Jacob’s health.

“Nothing else really matters but Jacob’s life,” she said.

“But I’ve still got my bills, I’m paying off my car and still have rent – after all that, I’m not left with very much.

“Without the help, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

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