Brave Little Champion
Support for a superhero and his amazing parents.
Hamilton, Waikato
This awesome little man was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma behind his left eye back in 2021. This type of tumour is a slow-growing brain tumor that arises in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. As the tumor progresses, it presses on the optic nerve, causing a child's vision to worsen. His parents Courtney & Ben were faced with two choices, surgery or 62 weeks of chemotherapy. Choosing surgery meant Elliot would probably lose any sight that he may have in his left eye, but choosing chemotherapy meant he could possibly keep what little sight he had left in his eye. His parents chose chemotherapy and Elliot started a few months later. After the first 6 months of chemo they were told his tumour had unfortunately not reduced in size, so surgery was now their only option. Not the news Elliot’s young parents wanted to hear. Elliot went into starship for brain surgery in August this year. After seven hours of surgery and lots of stressful days & nights in Starship hospital they still do not know if all of his tumour has gone. Elliot’s next MRI in three months will hopefully give his parents the good news they want to hear. Unfortunately, now the waiting starts all over again for this young family.
From the day after his brain surgery, this little CHAMPION continued to smile and laugh like nothing was wrong. What a brave little boy and a real inspiration to us all!
Sandra Heslop's involvement (page creator)
Elliot, Courtney & Ben are close family friends and I was Elliot’s early childhood educator until he left to start his chemotherapy.
Use of funds
The money will be going to Courtney and Ben to help towards their continual loss of wages & general expenses as Elliot’s journey is not over yet.
Latest update
Thank You To Everyone 10 November 2022
Elliot and his mum and dad came for a visit today just after Elliot had had his first ever hair cut. Cool, chilled and very very handsome is the look this young man was rocking this afternoon. According to his dad he was very relaxed while sitting in the chair and didn’t seem the slightest bit phased while his hair was cut. LOLS. A TRUE CHAMPION AS USUAL.
While Elliot was here for part of the afternoon we played the game ‘Perfection’ and he got the perfect score. I'm pretty sure he had a little help while I wasn’t looking because I can hardly beat the timer and he finished with 10 seconds to spare. LOLS. Elliot has moved up a class at childcare and is doing extremely well. He has lots of friends that he enjoys spending his time with and is moving forward with his learning.
Elliot had an appointment at the end of October with his doctor at Starship. Courtney and Ben were told everything is looking good and they are on track for Elliot’s MRI at the end of this month. If everything goes well with the MRI Elliot will finally be able to have his port removed and they can all know that he is tumour free. Yay!
We are proud of you Elliot. Always be yourself young man, you are strong, you are brave and you are amazing! Courtney and Ben, what wonderful parents you are. We are proud of you guys too as this has been a real emotional roller coaster ride for the past few years. Keep being awesome parents.
“Any day spent with you, is my favourite day” by Winnie the Pooh
Latest donations
Thank you James. Your donation & support for this awesome family is very much appreciated. Sandra x
Thank you Kelsey. You donation & support is wonderful. Sandra x
Thanks so much for your lovely donation and support Carrie. This is very much appreciated and will go a long way to helping this lovely family. Many thanks Sandra XXX
Kai ora Kathleen. Your donation & support is very much appreciated. Sandra xxx
Thank you so much for your donation and support. It's very much appreciated. Sandra X
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