WHILE some kids groan at the idea of school starting, one Bathurst boy is more than excited as he embarks on a milestone.
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After completing his final round of chemotherapy last year, Brody Miller, 5, is ready to take a seat in class.
Brody was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma – a type of tumour that forms from a certain kind of cell in bone or soft tissue – in his arm bone two years ago when doctors discovered something wasn’t quite right after he broke his arm.
He will start his first day of kindergarten at Bathurst Public School after completing pre-school and transition.
“Brody is a people person, so he is definitely going to do well with the social aspect at school, there’s no doubt about that,” Brody’s mum Stacey Miller said.
There was never a point when the Millers doubted Brody’s chances of attending school and being a normal kid.
“One day I got up and thought you know what, let’s do it, there has to be a positive outcome,” Ms Miller said.
Although he has regained 90 per cent movement, Brody is limited in moving his arm straight up and to the side.
He will require special attention at school to ensure his safety, and make sure all is well.
“We chose Bathurst Public because we heard they have really great teachers, especially when it comes to caring for kids who need that little bit of extra attention like Brody,” Ms Miller said.
There is no explanation for Ewing’s Sarcoma and there is a 20 per cent chance it will return, but Ms Miller says it’s not going to happen.
“He’s already smashed cancer, chemo and surgery,” she said.
Ms Miller couldn’t ensure there would be no tears on Brody’s first day, but shares his excitement to start a new chapter of his life.
“We’ve spent the last 16 months straight together, so I don’t know if I am ready, but I know he is,” she said.
“He will probably wave me off when we get there.”
The Miller family have been supporters of the Children’s Medical Research Institute and are encouraging schools to sign up for Jeans For Genes Day.
This year is the 25th anniversary of Jeans For Genes, which has been instrumental in funding for research to assist with diagnosing conditions affecting children including rare genetic diseases, cancer, epilepsy and birth defects.
“We encourage schools to get on board for Jeans For Genes Day, making a cure that little bit easier to find,” Ms Miller said.
