Sunbury family’s ultimate backyard reno for Brody Hourigan

At just 19, Brody Hourigan has been through more hospital visits than many would in a lifetime. Now he’s facing an even bigger fight. And his family is desperate to make Brody’s dream come true.

Brody Hourigan has been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time.

Like many young people, 19-year-old Brody Hourigan has dreamt of owning his own home and designing his own backyard.

And after a fourth cancer diagnosis in recent weeks, his family are determined to make his dream backyard a reality.

Mr Hourigan was first diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma at eight years old. He has been battling it on-and-off for the past decade.

His mum Tracy told the Leader her son had been battling the childhood cancer for 11 years.

“Brody really wants to own his own home and have his own backyard space,” Ms Hourigan said.

“We’re going to have a working bee to make that happen and he’s in charge.”

The family’s next project is a backyard working bee — to help Brody fulfil his dream of designing his own backyard.

A GoFundMe was set up by his cousin last year, raising over $9000 to help cover Brody’s ongoing costs. It was relaunched when the cancer returned.

“There’s nothing you can compare in life to watching your child be in such horrendous pain,” she said.

“From a mother’s perspective, it’s the most gut wrenching thing.”

While there are plans for radiation and further treatment for Brody, doctors told the family the cancer would come back.

“Basically we were told he’d never be cured,” Ms Hourgan said.

“The doctor was very clear in saying it would return.”

Ms Hourigan said the news had been tough for Brody and the family, but they were trying to stay positive.

“We’re trying to keep very positive for him,” she said.

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“We have to ask ourselves, do we sit and dwell on it or do we try to make our lives better?”

She said money from the GoFundMe would be used to cover her son’s ongoing medical expenses.

Ms Hourigan said the community’s past generosity had always left her a little speechless.

“It never ceases to amaze me the way people stick together through hard times,” she said.

DONATE: gofundme.com/brodysbattle