WIMMERA residents have banded together to support one of their own after 15-year-old Brittney Anderson was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last month.
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On July 29, after battling a suspected flu, Brittney was rushed to the emergency room.
What followed was a shock cancer diagnosis, ongoing treatment and what Brittney’s mother Renee Snell described as an overwhelming amount of support.
“We’re amazed,” she said.
“The amount of support we didn’t know was out there is unbelievable.”
Since her diagnosis, Brittney has undergone chemotherapy sessions twice a day, weekly surgeries and has lost her hair.
Miss Snell said throughout it all her daughter had shown amazing strength.
“She’s had a few down days, but that’s to be expected,” she said. “She’s in high spirits. She’s held up unbelievably well and hasn’t complained.”
The pair’s family and friends have rallied to support them, organising a fundraiser for September 17.
The event will feature a double darts tournament at Horsham’s Commercial Hotel, with Wild Colonial Boy and The Last Stand performing.
The highest bidder at the night’s auction will shave Miss Snell’s head – a decision she hopes would make Brittney feel less alone. Fundraising organiser Jo Weyburg said she wanted to do something to help Brittney and Miss Snell, a single parent.
Miss Snell said it has been hard to afford and arrange quality family time with Brittney in Melbourne.
She has been unable to work since Brittney’s diagnosis and is relying on family and friends to look after her two sons Ethan and Damon.
Miss Snell said the support from Horsham and Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids had been amazing.
Ms Weyburg said more information could be found at GoFundMe’s The Brittney Fund.