By NATALIE GALLENTI
TYLER Fishlock is a fighter in every sense of the word.
In his 10 years, the brave Caroline Springs resident has had to endure more suffering than most people have to face in a lifetime.
Now in a cruel twist of fate, his life, and that of his family, has been plunged into devastation yet again.
As a bubbly three-year-old Tyler was diagnosed with the rare genetic cancer retinoblastoma and lost his eyesight after undergoing a lifesaving operation to remove tumours from his retinas. One eye was removed and the other was left blind.
Seven years on, and the cancer has returned. Courageous Tyler has spent almost a month at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and is facing a “long haul” according to his distraught mother Georgette.
She told Star she and her husband Brad knew something was wrong when Tyler’s right prosthetic eye began to bulge. After an MRI it was revealed the youngster had secondary cancer.
“We never expected it to come back when he was so young. We’re devastated,” Georgette said.
Tyler has now undergone his second round of chemotherapy and scans will reveal this week if the treatment has taken effect.
“He’s been such a happy kid … but now he’s questioning why him. I wish it was me.
“We’ve told him we’re in it together and he’s promised us to fight and kick it in the bum.
“There’s no guarantees, that’s the hardest part.”
An avid Richmond supporter, Tyler still manages to smile when he listens to his team and is ecstatic with the boys’ recent winning form.
“They’ve promised that they will keep winning for him. He has his Richmond blanket and pillow and all the nurses are always saying ‘Go Tigers’.”
Georgette said the cancer was taking its toll on the whole family, including Tyler’s 15-year-old sister Madeleine who is in her first year of VCE.
But thankfully, the close-knit Caroline Springs community and the AFL has once again banded together for the family and will be hosting a gala event to raise much-needed funds.
“The community has been so supportive. The gala event will help my husband stay at home … not worry about mortgage repayments and take care of our daughter.
“This is a huge battle, and we don’t know the outcome. We just want to spend every minute we can with him.”
The event is being organised by AFL Auskick and will be held at Westwaters Hotel and Entertainment Complex on Saturday 18 May. Guests on the night will include North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer and former Collingwood great Brodie Holland, along with a host of other notable entertainers.
Organisers are hoping to raise over $50,000 for the family with tickets priced at $75 per head. There will also be an auction on the night. Tickets are available from Westwaters Hotel on 8358 0555.
