A Perth boy undergoing treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma has launched a fundraising drive to support sick children at Perth Children’s Hospital, raising at least $2,000 for Telethon through his campaign, Murray’s Movement.
Murray Foulsham, 11, was diagnosed in May after a tumour was found in his left leg. He began an intensive course of chemotherapy at the hospital in June, receiving treatment every 15 days.
He underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove the tumour and is expected to remain in hospital for at least two weeks before beginning his recovery.
Despite the ordeal, the Lego enthusiast has continued raising money for Radio Lollipop and the Starlight Foundation, which run the Fun on Four room at the hospital.
Murray’s fundraising has included a bake sale at Cottesloe Primary School, where he is a pupil. Around 20 Year 5 and Year 6 students also supported him by donating $10 and shaving their heads at the same time as Murray did before starting chemotherapy.
A Year 6 pupil, Jessica, made and sold bandanas for $5 at school, while lemonade stalls were organised around the neighbourhood to raise money for Murray’s Movement.
Murray’s mother, Leeann Foulsham, said the family believed between $2,000 and $3,000 had been raised for Telethon in total.
She said the support from the community had been “incredible”, with Murray’s friends playing a particularly important role.
“They know that Murray’s been through this, and so they want to raise a little bit of money to show their support,” she said.
“Murray would want to say thanks to everybody for being so supportive. He’s got a gorgeous little group of friends, and they’ve really rallied around him.”
The idea for Murray’s Movement came after he experienced the support provided by charities at Perth Children’s Hospital. Before his diagnosis, he had endured leg pain and several hospital visits as doctors investigated whether he might have osteomyelitis.
“But then a couple of biopsies returned the results that it was cancer,” Mrs Foulsham said.
She said Murray had visited Fun on Four during the early stages of his treatment, where Radio Lollipop and the Starlight Foundation helped entertain children and gave them gifts and toys.
“Murray just felt that if other kids could come into hospital and maybe get a box of Lego or play a game through Starlight, then it’s something that he wanted to make sure that everybody got the opportunity to do,” she said.
Mrs Foulsham said her son had shown “grit and determination” throughout his treatment, while remaining polite, humorous and keen to understand what was happening.
“He’s amazing. He never complains. There are days where he feels sad. There are days where it’s just a lot. But generally speaking, he just kind of gets through it,” she said.
The Foulsham family have always supported Telethon and will watch this year’s event on television because Murray is not well enough to attend.
“While you don’t want to be in this situation, we’re very thankful for where we live and the help and the support and the care that we get,” Mrs Foulsham said.
