Camp Quality Geelong convoy to raise money for kids with cancer

Louisa Wilson is battling “heartbreaking” side effects from a traumatic health ordeal.

Clare Coleman with her 9 year old daughter Louisa Wilson who is in remission from leukaemia. Picture: Brad fleet

Towards the end of her first year at school, Curlewis child Louisa Wilson was constantly unwell.

Mum Clare Coleman said Louisa was tired, grouchy, and suffered conjunctivitis, soreness and rashes.

Ms Coleman said teachers and a doctor put it down to being at the end of prep.

But over that summer of the end of 2019, Louisa would get “the most bizarre symptoms”.

She experienced sleeping difficulties and loss of appetite.

Ms Coleman said she was told by a GP that her daughter likely had an iron deficiency.

She pushed for more comprehensive testing after Louisa turned “grey”.

On March 5, 2020 Louisa had a blood test and within hours Ms Coleman received the news that “something severe” had been detected.

“Nothing makes you panic more than that,” she said.

That night, after further tests at Geelong hospital, Ms Coleman was told it was highly likely that Louisa was suffering leukaemia.

“I remember just refusing to accept that’s what it was,” Ms Coleman, a single mum of four kids, said.

That night Ms Coleman and Louisa travelled to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she underwent further testing.

On March 7, 2020, it was confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Clare Coleman with her 9 year old daughter Louisa Wilson who is in remission from leukaemia. Picture: Brad fleet

Ms Coleman and Louisa would spend most of 2020 living between the Royal Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Melbourne, while also grappling with the Covid pandemic.

Louisa underwent chemotherapy orally and intravenously for more than two years from diagnosis, up until May 2022.

Now aged 9, Louisa, who is in remission, deals with ongoing side effects.

After the gruelling treatment she still experiences daily joint pain and developmental issues, including with taste.

She faces challenges due to having missed vast amounts of school.

Ms Coleman said it was “heartbreaking” to witness the ongoing effects of the ordeal on her daughter, who loves horses and enjoys music.

“It’s a really brutal journey,” she said.

Kids’ cancer charity Camp Quality helped the family through the tough time.

They benefited from a camp at Phillip Island, family days and activities.

“It really opened my eyes to how far cancer in kids goes,” Ms Coleman said.

She described the charity’s support as fantastic.

On Sunday, a mega convoy of trucks and motorbikes will take to the roads around Geelong to raise funds for kids and families impacted by cancer.

The 60km convoy starts and finishes at Avalon Raceway, passing Lara, Corio, Waurn Ponds, Belmont and Geelong, with more than 150 trucks and motorbikes dedicated to raising funds for Camp Quality.

Anyone can join to cheer on the trucks and enjoy a free show and shine day.

Rides and entertainment will start from 10.30am at Avalon Raceway.

Trucks arrive back around 11am.

For more information visit fundraise.campquality.org.au/event/convoy/

Originally published as Camp Quality Geelong convoy to raise money for kids with cancer