It was 15 months ago when life for Petra Sales and her family changed forever.
Her son, Fletcher, was diagnosed with cancer.
“He was admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital and as you can imagine we were beyond devastated,” Petra said.
Challenge - a charity that helps children and families affected by cancer - tries to provide some light when it seems like there is only darkness on the road ahead.
The charity runs regular events, organises concert tickets, holidays and even just allows parents to have a break for a couple of hours.
It also provides a platform for families to meet others going through similar circumstances.
Today, the Essendon Football Club welcomed more than 20 children living with cancer and their families for a special session with the players.
The children shared a laugh and had a kick with their favourite Bombers stars.
“To get out of the house, not think about what’s going on and not be caught up in the sadness of it all … it makes it about fun, making some memories and hanging out together as a family,” Petra said.
“We’ve all been hugely affected by it but just to see how Challenge has brought a smile to not only Fletcher’s face but also to our other three boys – and even to my husband and myself – it has been incredible.
“Obviously we’d give all of these opportunities back for him to be well but it’s something we’ll never forget and to have the photos with his heroes is amazing.”
This Saturday’s match against North Melbourne marks the latest instalment of the Bombers 'Clash for Cancer'.
The Challenge logo will be displayed on the jumper as well as the yellow armband.
The children the players met today will also run out with the team on Saturday.
Tom Gleisner’s association with Challenge began 25 years ago.
The Australian TV star is the Chairman of the children’s cancer charity and he said these kind of experiences provide a welcome break from the daily struggles of cancer.
“Challenge is about stepping in and finding ways of putting a bit of sunshine back into lives on an otherwise rainy day,” Gleisner said.
“A day like today is wonderful for the kids and their families – the chance to come out and meet some of their heroes and just be ‘special’ for a day because for a lot of these kids their life is about missing out on things … so for these kids it’s an extraordinary moment to come out to a football club.
“And then the opportunity to run out onto the ground … you just can’t describe how much of a thrill that will be for the kids and their families watching on.”
Former Essendon player Adam Ramanauskas knows the struggle better than most.
He was diagnosed with cancer at the height of his playing career and was the inspiration behind the 'Clash for Cancer'.
The premiership player still undergoes regular check-ups to monitor his health and spoke to the Essendon playing group about the significant meaning a small gesture from a sporting hero can have.
“It’s a huge moment for the children and I also think it shows how serious the Club is about making a difference,” Ramanauskas said.
“All football clubs have a social responsibility that they need to uphold.
“Essendon has done a fantastic job with that for many, many years now.
“These kids are going to remember this day for the rest of their lives and they get to run out with the team on Saturday afternoon so it’s going to be a magnificent experience for them.”
