Community
10 October, 2022
Grieving family’s legacy for teenage son
CAIRNS locals Rick and Stacey Steer lost their son Hudson after a long battle with childhood cancer.
Prior to the diagnosis, life in Cairns for the Steer family was carefree. A busy household with two working parents and two growing adolescent boys heavily involved in sporting activities and high school.
In October 2018, Hudson and his mother, Stacey, travelled to Townsville to see a specialist and undergo testing for various unusual symptoms.
At just thirteen years old, Hudson was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue tumour at the base of his bladder. The life-shaking cancer diagnosis devastated the whole family.
“I was numb. I didn’t know what was in store or if he could beat it,’’ Ms Steer said.
After the diagnosis, the family were forced to leave their home in Cairns and relocate to Brisbane, where Hudson would undergo extensive long-term cancer treatment.
Rick and Stacey were met by Childhood Cancer Support, who offered the family free long-term accommodation and a range of other supports.
“We were just amazed that a service like Childhood Cancer Support even existed. We didn’t even know that was on offer to regional families, like us,” she said.
Hudson (Huddy) and Stacey stayed with Childhood Cancer Support for over 14 months while he underwent extensive treatment.
Childhood Cancer Support provided the family with transport services, activities for the kids, groceries, counselling, and a community of other families who were going through the same difficult diagnosis.
“Huddy was able to live a relatively normal life while he was there, and I think that was extremely important for him,” Ms Steer said.
“After treatment, that was the first thing he wanted to do, go home. So, it was a home away from home.”
Since Hudson’s passing, the family have become ambassadors for Childhood Cancer Support, helping other families in their region facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and raising awareness and funds for the organisation.
“Our son sadly lost his battle, but the help we received from Childhood Cancer Support has been invaluable,” Ms Steer said.
“We want to give back to this charity and ensure that the support remains for other regional families facing this difficult battle. Please donate to this cause.”
Childhood Cancer Support General Manager Helen Crew said the organisation is passionate about helping regional families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
“One thing that is so unique about Childhood Cancer Support is that we provide a home away from home,” Ms Crew said.
“It’s a place to call home for the families because they are here long term. It allows them to stay together and support one another through the difficult times.”
Childhood Cancer Support provides free short-term and long-term accommodation as well as free transport, groceries and counselling to regional families facing childhood cancer.
To donate to Childhood Cancer Support, visit: http://bitly.ws/v3vS
