Community gets behind leukaemia boy

By Jade Lawton
WHEN four-year-old Mackenzie Reid was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia in February, he touched the hearts of his fellow Garfield residents.
Mackenzie suffers from Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Leukaemia, a disease so rare that it has only been diagnosed in about 60 people worldwide.
Since the diagnosis, three of Mackenzie’s neighbours have banded together to raise money and support for ‘Mack’ and his mother Michelle.
Michelle, a single mother-of-four, said the donations had so far helped pay for petrol, Citylink passes and other expenses that come with travelling to the city for treatment.
Family and friends have also chipped in to help care for Mackenzie’s twin brother, Levi, and ten-year-old twins Kiana and Travis.
More money will be raised this Saturday at a trivia night organised for the family.
“It started with a lump on his nose and a pussy eye. We drove to the ear, nose and throat hospital in the city but they didn’t know what it was,” Michelle said.
“We went away to Phillip Island for Christmas and his legs were really sore.
“They were the first signs.”
Mackenzie is now undergoing chemotherapy and the family stays at Ronald McDonald House when he is receiving treatment.
In a few months he will need a bone marrow transplant.
“Basically he has too many white blood cells. The bad cells start to hide behind the good and it takes your immune system away from you,” Michelle said.
“He’s going to get a lot worse to get better. He’s got to go back to ground zero. But he is a very strong boy for four-years-old.”
In the meantime, almost every business in Garfield has thrown their support behind the family.
The Garfield Hotel has held raffles for Mackenzie, and he has been down to the pub for a raspberry drink, to thank his supporters. Michelle said she was overwhelmed by the community’s support.
“You can’t say no to those girls. They are just busting their hearts out,” she said.
“I don’t know how to say it. It’s a bit beyond thanks. It’s the hugs, the small things. When we come in to Garfield Mack makes me toot the horn so everyone knows we are back.
“It makes you proud. I am proud this is where I live.”
Neighbour Rebecca Virtue said there was no question the women would help Michelle and Mackenzie.
“We are all mums and it’s as if she took a hit for the whole court,” she said.
The trivia night will be held for Mackenzie at the Garfield Hall Community Centre on Saturday. Doors open at 7pm.
Items up for auction include a signed Collingwood jumper, signed Sherrin footballs, a signed tennis racquet, toolkit and many more.
To book a table contact Rebecca Virtue on 5629 1268, Bridget Soumilas on 5629 2771 or Emma Osborne on 5629 2121.