SARAH Fraser's son Ollie was just two years old when doctors delivered the news no parent wants to hear.
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Ollie had a tumour on his optic nerve and needed immediate and ongoing specialist treatment at the Westmead Children's Hospital.
At the time the family were in Dubbo, five hours' drive from the hospital. And not only were they worried about Ollie's health, his parents also had to factor in the logistics of caring for his young sister and balancing work and other life commitments.
But a Sydney-based charity, Little Wings, came to their rescue.
Mrs Fraser said without the support of Little Wings, she doesn't know how the family would have coped.
Little Wings is a small service based at Bankstown Aerodrome, providing free flights for seriously ill children and their families to ensure access to life-saving medical treatment only available in major cities.
Little Wings is an 89 per cent volunteer-run organisation, including every pilot and every driver, ensuring every service is delivered with heart and compassion.
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Mrs Fraser said the charity provided the family with support right when they needed it.
"We were in the midst of moving to Dubbo at the time. Our oncology nurse put us in touch with Little Wings because Ollie needed to fly to Sydney every month for chemo.
"We did monthly treatments for a year and opthamologist and other specialist appointments."
Mrs Fraser said even after the chemotherapy treatments ended, the service continued to support the family.
Recalling the help she received, Mrs Fraser became emotional, but said their support was wonderful.
"It's one of those things you don't want to go through, but we had to," she said.
The family now live in Bathurst, and Ollie, 6, is a kindy student at West Bathurst School.
His tumour caused blindness in one eye, but four years on from his diagnosis, he is thriving at school and life.
"He really is exceptional. It hasn't stopped him at all," Mrs Fraser said.
She said she is just thankful Little Wings was there for the family.
"His sister was six months old when he was diagnosed, and right before chemo finished, I was seven months pregnant with twins.
"Little Wings let me spend time at home with our family and not have to worry about travel. It was amazing for us."
Mrs Fraser is still so thankful to the organisation, she still helps with fundraising.
"They do a yearly charity auction over in Dubbo. We still travel over there and help," she said.
Little Wings chief executive Clare Pearson said that being part of Ollie's treatment journey has been an incredible honour, and seeing him go from strength to strength has been the ultimate success story.
"Little Wings is committed for the duration of the treatment, because when we support families, communities thrive," Ms Pearson said.
"But we cannot do it alone and we are so grateful to have the support and partnership of Evolution Mining, that allows us to support families in need. We wish Ollie health and happiness for the future."