Lachlan’s Story
• Lachlan reuniting with classmates for a short time last week, before his return to Hobart. Tyrelle Silver, Lachlan, Jan Roszczyk and Will Gangell.
By Michelle Shaw,
MAY 26, 2021
April 12 should have been a day of excitement and celebration for Winnaleah boy Lachlan Clark. It was his 11th birthday.
However, after a feeling unwell for a few days and some noticeable bruising from minor bumps his mother Alana took him to the doctor and tests were taken.
A missed phone call late that night from the emergency doctor at the Launceston General Hospital was returned early the following day.
Lachlan was called in for more tests by both the local surgery and the LGH.
Later that day Lachlan was due to be flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital, but after some technical issues with the plane he was transported with his mother by road, arriving just before midnight.
“That’s when I was told that Lachlan had Leukaemia,” Alana said.
Treatment began the following morning and was to continue for five weeks with more blood tests, infusions and chemotherapy to come.
After a harrowing few weeks with his mother, father Warwick and sister Montana by his side, Lachlan’s stay in the hospital was eased by news that some treatments could be continued at the LGH, but visits to Hobart would still be necessary.
“His treatment plan is for three years with the first six months being the most intensive. “We hope that after the initial few months, life will get back to normal for him.”
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is the most common leukaemia in children. It can affect the blood and bone marrow.
“We were told that the curable rates are very high.
“The doctor said that if we were to choose one, that this is the best one to have,” she said.
After the initial shock of diagnosis Alana and Warwick have been overwhelmed with the support given by medical professionals at the LGH and RHH and Ronald McDonald House during their stay in Hobart.
There are still challenges ahead for the Clarks, with the family being separated and ensuring their daughter Montana is able to keep attending her local school.
It has been necessary to lose one income for the family so Lachlan has a parent by his side, long road trips and the medical and emotional strain on Lachlan.
The North-East community is rallying around the family with offers of support.
A fundraiser to support the family with a raffle offering over thirty prizes and valued at over $3500.
Tickets are available at Winnaleah (post office, hotel and school) Ringarooma (butchery and school) and Scottsdale (Teazed and D & Me).