By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
A SEABROOK teenager is hoping to make a difference in a special little girl’s life.
After hearing of the traumatic plight of the Miller family in Wyndham Vale, Bayside College student James Sayer decided to co-ordinate various activities at his school in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the family.
The 16-year-old has worked tirelessly to get the whole school community on board and will see his hard work come to fruition this Friday with an out of uniform day and sausage sizzle.
“It touched my heart and brought me to tears,” James told Star.
“I have a little sister and if it happened to her, it would absolutely break my heart.
“We have to do anything we can to help them.”
Last October little Alexandra, now 5, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an extremely rare tumour located in the middle of the brain stem.
Her distraught parents Andrew and Eva were given the devastating news that the tumour, which only affects children, is incurable and their beloved daughter may only live for up to two more years.
“When the doctors gave us the news it tore our hearts out,” an emotional Mr Miller said.
“She will eventually lose all of her motor skills and will be hospitalised.”
Alex immediately received radiation therapy but the family was told this was only a temporary solution and would stunt the growth of the tumour briefly.
“We try not to think about it…and give her the best life we can give her.”
Mr Miller realises this would not be possible without the support of the wider community.
“We’re so proud that she has the opportunity to do these things…(the support) is overwhelming, humbling. I’m lost for words. It is the Aussie spirit coming out in everyone.”
And it seems this spirit is not lost on little Alex who is described by her doting father as “fun, outgoing, bubbly and always laughing”.
“She just loves life, it’s fantastic to see her that way. We love her to bits.”
The family also recently received help from Quality Suites D’Olive Receptions who raised just over $9,000 at a family fun day.
The hotel’s manager Janette Godden said the business had an overwhelming amount of support from the community and also held a Women’s Business Lunch, which bought the total funds raised to $12,000.
