THE family of 12-year-old Marnie, this year’s school captain from Hastings Primary School, have turned to the community for support as the vibrant student faces a battle against childhood cancer.
Marnie’s aunty Jessekah Thompson told The News her “beautiful niece” Marnie was “incredibly proud” to be named school leader for her final year of primary school.
“Marnie has always been someone who goes above and beyond to help others,” said Jessekah.
“Whether it is helping younger students, getting involved in the school community or simply being there for another child, Marnie has always been the kind of person who puts others before herself.”
On 20 September, the day of Marnie’s 12th birthday, she was rushed to Frankston Hospital where doctors discovered a large tumour in her brain.
She was urgently transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital where she underwent an approximately 15-hour brain surgery to remove the tumour.
Her family have now received the devastating news that the tumour is malignant and a rare form of childhood cancer.
Marnie is currently in the Royal Children’s Hospital recovering from the brain surgery and will now need to commence not only physiotherapy but radiation therapy, followed by chemotherapy.
Jessekah said her family are still trying to understand exactly what the road ahead will look like.
“She is a shining light to so many people within her family, school community and her wider circle, and she has a special way of making people feel seen, heard and cared for,” said Jessekah.
“That is what makes what has happened to her so incredibly heartbreaking.”
For Marnie, one of the hardest parts has been being told that she cannot return to the school she loves.
She had been looking forward to her final term of grade six, spending time with her friends, finishing primary school, celebrating her graduation and all the excitement that comes with preparing to start high school next year.
“She is devastated that she cannot go back to school. This is a girl whose world has always revolved around learning, her friends and helping the school community, and suddenly she has had to put all of that aside while she fights something no 12-year-old should ever have to face,” said Jessekah.
Hastings Primary School is rallying around their school captain with Assistant Principal Rebecca Legge telling The News: “We are thinking of Marnie and her family and surrounding them with love, care and support as they navigate the journey ahead.”
“Marnie is a strong and incredibly brave young person, and we are committed to supporting her, her friends and her family with compassion, understanding and care, while respecting their privacy and allowing them the space they need.”
“As a school community, we will be coming together later this term to show our support for Marnie through a special fundraiser.”
“Students will have the opportunity to shave, colour their hair or wear a wig, with the day providing a meaningful way for our students and staff to stand alongside Marnie.”
“We hope the day will not only raise funds to support Marnie and her family, but also help raise awareness of childhood cancer and demonstrate the incredible care and strength of the Hastings Primary community.”
Marnie’s mother Bek, who is a solo mum to Marnie and Aubrey (Marnie’s eight-year-old little sister), is by her daughter’s side every day and night.
As a casual worker, Bek does not have paid sick leave or leave entitlements to fall back on. While she is caring for Marnie and supporting her through surgery, hospital stays and the treatment ahead, she has lost her ability to earn money to support herself and her two daughters.
Bek and her girls are now facing an enormous amount of uncertainty, both emotionally and financially.
A GoFundMe page has been started to support the family here: gofund.me/f5150c6bf
