Community unites for a young hero’s fight

The heartbreaking story of a young boy’s brave battle against an aggressive form of cancer has sparked a huge surge of community support in Townsville.

Emmett Dollisson, 9, has been diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Picture: Supplied

The heartbreaking story of a young boy’s brave battle against an aggressive form of cancer has sparked a huge surge of community support in Townsville.

Diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, nine-year-old Emmett Dollisson’s world was turned upside down in a matter of hours.

Now, friends, neighbours and even those who have never met the Dollisson family are joining forces for the “Lights on for Emmett” charity cruise, a heartfelt effort to provide financial and emotional support during Emmett’s long road to recovery.

Just a few months ago, his parents, Naomi and Ben, thought the spots on Emmett’s stomach were merely chickenpox but a series of tests revealed a much more serious condition.

“I couldn’t speak because Emmett broke down after hearing the word ‘cancer’,” Naomi recalls.

The Dollisson family was quickly flown from their home in Mount Louisa to Brisbane for Emmett’s treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

This sudden upheaval left them far from their friends, extended family, and the community that has been their home for so many years.

“It is hard being so far away from our family and friends,” Naomi says.

“A lot of our daily living expenses don’t pause either while we are down in Brisbane. This charity event will help us financially to keep on top of these expenses and not worry about where to find the money while we are both not working.”

Charity Cruise organiser Hayley Pender with a Ford XR6 Tubo and a Holden HQ Wagon. Picture: Evan Morgan

Recognising the enormity of the challenges facing Emmett and his family, Hayley Pender, a family friend and neighbour, felt compelled to act. “I was actually speaking to Emmett’s mother the morning he was diagnosed,” Hayley shares.

“To witness a family’s entire life flipped upside down in a matter of hours is just something you can’t comprehend.

“Real superheroes live in the hearts of small children who fight big battles, and my aim with this event is to show Emmett that he and his family are far from alone in this journey.”

The charity cruise, which is set to take place next weekend, has already generated a wave of support from the local community.

“Currently, the event on social media has over 300 people interested or going,” Hayley says.

“I do expect rather a large turnout considering the circumstances. The Townsville community loves to give when given the opportunity, so I do hope this event will be something we as a community can look back on and say, ‘I was there’.”

The funds raised from the charity event will provide critical support to Emmett’s family, helping cover essential living expenses such as mortgage repayments, rates, insurance, groceries and more.

This financial relief will allow the Dollissons to focus entirely on Emmett’s treatment and wellbeing without the added burden of financial stress.

Emmett’s treatment, which involves a gruelling 2 and a half years of chemotherapy, has already seen its share of highs and lows.

His weekly treatments and the medications administered at home by his parents are a constant reminder of the long road ahead.

Despite the daunting challenges, the Dollisson family remains united, drawing strength from their togetherness and the overwhelming support of their community.

“We’re just overwhelmed — we’re so lucky to have a community that’s getting behind us,” Naomi says.

Emmett Dollisson, 9, with mum Naomi, dad Ben and sister Poppy, 7. Picture: Supplied

“We were shocked by how much the GoFundMe has made. It just takes the stress out of everything so we can focus on our son.”

Hayley, who has been instrumental in organising the charity cruise, is hopeful that the event will bring the community even closer together.

“I’d like to thank the local businesses who have all jumped on board to support me with putting this together for Emmett,” she says.

“I look forward to seeing Townsville start their engines, open their hearts and together we can make Emmett’s battle that little bit easier.”

The “Lights on for Emmett” charity cruise will commence on September 7 at 4pm from the carpark at Woolly Fleece, culminating at PitStop Karting.

As engines rev and headlights brighten the evening, the event will not only raise vital funds but also shine a light on the power of community and the fighting spirit of Emmett.

For those who can’t participate in the cruise but wish to support Emmett and his family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised thousands of dollars.

Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step towards easing the burden on the Dollisson family and giving Emmett the best chance at beating this disease.

“This is about more than just a charity event,” Hayley says.

“It’s about showing a family that they’re not alone, that their community is here for them, and that we’ll fight this battle together.”

Originally published as Community unites for a young hero’s fight