Blackburn South’s Freddie Higgs beats renal cancer

FREDDIE’S sixth birthday marks so much more than just the sprightly little boy growing another year older.

Freddie and his mum Marnie Higgs are thankful for Camp Quality. Picture: Josie Hayden

FREDDIE’S sixth birthday marks so much more than just the sprightly little boy growing another year older.

Each birthday marks another year he has been cancer-free, and another year he has with his loving family — which they feared they might never have.

Freddie was just 11 months old when doctors discovered he had renal cancer.

With the rare type of cancer known to be unresponsive to chemotherapy, he was rushed into surgery to have his kidney removed two days before his first birthday.

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Mum Marnie Higgs said celebrating the milestone in hospital — just a couple of weeks after learning there was a problem — was extremely hard for the family.

“I suffered a lot from post-natal depression as well before that happened,” she said.

“And that was all pushed to one side while the family rallied together to try and move forward.”

Freddie his mum Marnie Higgs are thankful for Camp Quality. Picture: Josie Hayden

A few days later, Freddie was sent home from hospital, and his family entered a “strange twilight zone” that isn’t common in most experiences with the disease.

They would have to wait 12 weeks for a scan to know if Freddie had escaped the cancer.

Mrs Higgs said they found themselves stuck not knowing how to describe their situation — had her son had cancer? Did he have cancer?

Every 12 weeks for the next three years was the same horrendous wait to learn if the cancer had returned.

Freddie and his family have been supported by Camp Quality along their journey. Picture: Josie Hayden

“You’d think every scan would get easier, but every scan was just as traumatic,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Higgs held a huge party with 140 people.

It marked five years Freddie was free of cancer, and his sixth birthday.

“In cancer terms, five years is such a milestone,” she said.

“We didn’t even let ourselves think about him starting school for a lot of years.”

The Higgs hosted all their family and friends, medical staff, childcare and kindergarten workers, Freddie and brother Angus’ friends.

They celebrated with rainbow cake, facepainting, balloon animals, and two real superheroes — Freddie’s favourites.

Freddie remains healthy more than five years after the cancer was removed. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mrs Higgs said the celebration was mainly to give thanks to everyone who had supported them.

“It was an absolute labour of love,” she said. “The celebration was so immense.”

Instead of birthday presents, they asked guests to donate to Camp Quality, who has been supporting them for five years.

“They’ve been a constant in a world of confusion — the saving grace for us,” Mrs Higgs said.

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The party raised about $500 for the charity, who had cleaners visit their house while Freddie was in hospital, and has hosted the family at many events, so they could meet others going through similar things, and to make them smile.

“I just so strongly believe in what they do,” she said.

“My husband Matt and I have laughed inappropriately at things for five years. Because sometimes, if you don’t laugh, you cry.”