Xavier D’Silva pledges to shave for a cure after leukaemia battle

Diagnosed at three years old with leukaemia Xavier D’Silva knows he is one of the lucky ones to be happy, healthy and ready to raise much needed funds for cancer research.

Xavier D'Silva battled Leukaemia in 2014 and has recently gone into remission. At eight years old the young introvert wants to give back to the doctors who helped save him by raising funds with a greatest shave. (AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo)

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If Xavier D’Silva was given a magic genie, the first thing he says he would wish for is a cure for cancer.

The Holy Spirit North Ryde student, 8, survived leukaemia when he was just three years old and is now looking to give back with a World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser.

Mum Janani D’Silva said her son did not want to be the centre of attention, but after a frank and honest discussion about his health, made the bold decision.

“He asked me ‘is it more likely that the cancer will come back for me?’ and I honestly didn’t know, so we had to put it to his oncologist,” she said.

Daniel Kluk, Xavier D'Silva, Angus O'Connor and David Moujalli. The friendship group keeps Xavier strong. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“He also asked very sobering questions like ‘could I have died?’ and ‘why do some people die from this and I didn’t.’”

Mrs D’Silva said being honest and open with Xavier gave him the information he needed to feel lucky and grateful for the work of the researchers and doctors, and proved the resilience of her 8-year-old son.

“He took it in his stride,” Mrs D’Silva said.

“He is a kind of under-the-radar guy, and has the most amazing group of friends that surround him with so much support and happiness.”

Xavier, 3, (middle) with friends Sophia Read, 4, and Georgia Neilson, 4.

Learning there was a high chance the cancer could return, the Year 4 student has put up his hand up for the fundraiser, giving himself a target of $5000.

“A few parents have said to me how Xavier has inspired them, and it’s because cancer touches so many people in different ways,” Mrs D’Silva said.

To donate to Xavier’s shave, visit my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/xavierdsilva

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