Emu Plains: 9-year-old Casey Cameron diagnosed with Leukemia, community rallies funds

A “fun-loving” boy’s devastating cancer diagnosis has prompted a loving uncle to part with the dreadlocks he’s spent nearly two decades growing. See the campaign to support Casey.

A “caring, loving and happy” 9-year-old from Sydney’s west, who has just been diagnosed with leukaemia and faces six months of weekly chemotherapy treatments, has inspired his uncle to ditch the dreadlocks he’s spent 17 years growing to raise money for World’s Greatest Shave.

Earlier this month, Emu Plains primary school student Casey was delivered the crushing news that he was sick with Leukemia.

According to his aunty Ranelle Jackson, the diagnosis was “just another kick in the guts” for Casey, who as a result of a rare genetic condition has hypertonic cerebral palsy, a visual impairment and autism.

Casey Cameron from Emu Plains has been diagnosed with leukemia,

“He’d been out of sorts for a while and had been lethargic, not eating and had been on a few courses of antibiotics, before we got the news and told to go straight to Westmead Hospital,” Ms Jackson said.

“For a 9-year-old kid he’s been through a lot and has already come so far, but he remains just the happiest little boy, nothing phases him, he’s so chill he’s so bright.

“His biggest concern at hospital was when am I gonna go and ride my bike.”

As a result of the cancer diagnosis Casey now faces an initial six months of chemotherapy in hospital followed by another 18 months at home.

Casey with his family

As his father Mat Cameron says “there’s is a long way to go”.

“There's still a lot of unknowns with how things are gonna work and how we will manage Its pretty ull on, but we are focused on his health and bating this,” he said.

Elsewhere in the family, Casey’s uncle Dane Wilkinson, who hasn’t had a haircut in 19 years immediately signed up to World’s Greatest Shave, to raise money for research into Leukemia.

Dane Wilkinson from Leonay will be shaving his head for Leukemia research

“I have always said that when the time was right, I would ditch the dreads for a great cause, however I never expected it to be hitting so close to home, it definitely adds a lot more meaning to it,” he said.

“This has been an incredible shock to the family but knowing the journey Casey now has ahead of him, I knew what I could do to help, he is a true fighter and by shaving my head and raising funds for research I am officially putting Leukemia on notice.”

Casey’s father said he has been “caught off guard” by the kindness shown to him in recent weeks by friends, family and strangers which he appreciates.

“I'm not one to ask for help and I usually deal with things on my own, so this help shown has really caught me off guard but is much appreciated.”