How young Bailey and his family are being supported by Quakers Hill JFC and the football community

THE wonderful thing about clubs and their members is their amazing community spirit, and recent efforts by Quakers Hill Junior Soccer Club proves it again.

The football community has rallied around the family of Bailey Rogers, 4, who had a bone-marrow transplant.

THE wonderful thing about clubs and their members is their amazing community spirit, and recent efforts by Quakers Hill Junior Soccer Club proves it again.

The club and the local football community has rallied around goalkeeper Dean Rogers whose son Bailey, 4, has been diagnosed with CMV (Cytomegalovirus) and underlying HLH (Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis).

The conditions result in Bailey’s white blood cells attacking his normal healthy cells, destroying his immune system. It can cause permanent scarring of the lungs as well as shortness of breath.

Jason Culina signing a Socceroo jerseys for Bailey Rogers.

Bailey Rogers had a bone-marrow transplant.

Bailey has required chemotherapy and a bone-marrow transplant.

To help pay for the family’s expenses, the Quakers Hill club and their supporters swung into action, selling smiley-faced bandannas — even their pet dogs wore them — badges and cupcakes. They also shaved their heads with Brent Chidgey getting the ball rolling.

The club, which gave Matildas star Kyah Simon her first chance, was also overwhelmed by support from other clubs, including from The Ponds, Riverstone, Schofields, Parklea, Glenwood and Spartans who all dug deep.

Quakers Hill JSC raised mover $6,500 to help the family of Bailey Rogers cope with the medical costs. From left: Mino Pellizzon, Ashlee and Dean Rogers, (Bailey’s parents) and Brent Chidgey

The club has raised more than $6500 for Bailey’s family, and more importantly Bailey has coped well with his treatments todate.

“It is good to see the entire soccer community get behind individuals unconditionally,” club spokeswoman Peta McGavin said.

“Quakers Hill Junior Soccer Club is not only a club, it’s a community, and when someone in our community is suffering the one thing we can always count on is the club coming together and doing what we can to show our support, and this was no different.

Bailey Rogers watching a Western Sydney Wanderers game before his operation.

“Thankfully, Bailey has weathered the treatments very well and doctors are pleased at his progress.

“Still, the family has many months of hospital visits and relative isolation ahead of them and all of this comes at great personal and financial commitment.

“To this end, QHJSC was glad to present a cheque for $6,508 to Ash and Dean to help them out. Many thanks to all who helped to achieve this wonderful result.

“It is good to see the entire soccer community get behind individuals unconditionally.”

■ Details: qhjsc.com.au