Eels great Brett Kenny lifted by huge community support
RUGBY league legend Brett Kenny faced having a step-son that potentially would never walk again. Now the star is taking on another battle.
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IT’S A battle Australian and Parramatta Eels legend Brett Kenny thought he would never face.
After his brilliant career — he is regarded as one of the best to wear the No 6 jersey in Australia — Kenny is now taking on cancer in the same fearless manner.
But it’s not a battle Kenny is facing alone, with the rugby league and Rouse Hill communities raising funds for the former five-eighth and centre. Kenny has non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a cancerous 11cm tumour inside a cavity in his stomach.
In addition, he and his family have to deal with stepson Riley Hilditch’s spinal damage which could mean a lifetime in a wheelchair.
The 56-year-old Kenny told the Times he was overwhelmed by the support pouring in from the Eels community and those on the streets who stop and speak to him.
“I am going well mate and it’s not that bad,” Kenny said. “For me there is no big change, getting used to having chemo every three weeks and I feel reasonably healthy.
“My chemo finishes in January and the specialist told me because of the size of the tumour (11cm) won’t go away completely but it will get smaller and I could be in remission.
“She said it could be another 10 years before it flares up so hopefully she gives me the all clear in January.’’
He said his stepson Riley was progressing well after suffering a spinal injury after diving into a river with friends in March.
“Regarding Riley, he is doing fine and now we are waiting for approval from the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) to renovate the house so he can move back in.
“The hospital has said they are happy for him to come home but until we get the approval from NDIS, we cannot do anything. We want to make his life easier with the help of friends and family.”
A winner of four premierships with the Eels in the 1980s, Kenny said finding out about his cancer has not been a huge life changer and he is grateful for the support from everyone.
“I am glad I was able to bring some joy when people watched me play but it’s nice to know that people want to help me as much as possible,” Kenny said.
“People often stop me in the street and ask how I am doing so it is wonderful if people think of you like that.
“A lot of the guys I played footy with have also texted me and check on me.
“A lot of them come to Gosford Hospital when I go for my chemo treatment and keep me company.”
Kenny and even his doctor initially thought he was getting the flu because he felt tired.
“I was putting on a bit of weight and not been training and was getting tired,” Kenny said.
“Even the doctor first thought it was infection.
“Later when we heard about the tumour (after visiting a specialist), it was a bit of a shock, because it was something I did not expect.
“However, the specialist explained everything to us and we felt a lot more at ease.
“Things then started happening really quickly and within weeks I was having chemo, which so far has had no major side effects and is working very well.”
Kenny is looking forward to catching up with his Eels and Australian teammates at the fundraiser at the Brewery Rouse Hill on October 27, including Mick Cronin, Ray Price, Peter Wynn and Eric Grothe Sr. There are also several fans who have purchased the tickets for the event.
Andrew Eagleston, who counts Kenny as a good mate, is organising the fundraiser through his Castle Hill-based Pro Sports Memorabilia store.
“All proceeds will go to Brett Kenny and his family,” Mr Eagleston said.
“Tickets are selling well for the event which includes live auctions.”
Caring for Kenny
■ WHAT: The Footy Legends lunch to benefit Parramatta Eels legend Brett Kenny, who is battling cancer
■ WHERE: Australian Hotel and Brewery, Rouse Hill
■ WHEN: Friday, October 27
■ TIME: Noon-4pm
■ TICKETS: $100
■ DETAILS: 0430 220 441 or prosportsmemorabilia.com.au
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