Griffith Public School teachers Sophie O’Keeffe and Lisa Sergi joined Robin, his mum Kitty and sister Lome in celebrating his 18th birthday. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Robin Mataora received an unexpected birthday present on his 18th birthday – a $1000 cheque, the final balance of a community fundraising effort that began more than a decade ago when he was battling leukemia.
Robin was just three years old when he was first diagnosed with the disease. After several years in remission, the cancer returned in 2014, turning life upside down for his Cook Islander family as they faced months of intensive treatment.
“I remember when I was nine, I had to go to Randwick Hospital every single day for chemotherapy,” Robin said.
“My mum had to push me up the hill in my wheelchair.”
His sister, Lome, said there were several times the family feared they would lose him.
“The second time it came back, it was more aggressive and he needed an intense form of chemotherapy. It was traumatic going into hospital and seeing him with all the other small kids getting treatment,” she said.
Robin in hospital when he was young. Photo: Supplied.
As Robin fought for his life, Griffith Public School launched a fundraising campaign to help the family. It wasn’t long before the wider community joined in.
“Everyone from Country Hope, to nursing students to Zumba teacher Ar’e Abera rallied for the cause, getting people to make donations,” teacher Lisa Sergi said.
“We raised money to get him through school, spending it on uniforms, school supplies and medical expenses.
“We thought now that he is 18 we can close the account and give the remaining $1000 to him to help him get his adult life going.”
Robin is hoping to work in the mines. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Lome said the community’s generosity even attracted some celebrity support.
“One time he told us he met a guy with an afro who signed a Swans hat for him. We looked at the hat and later learned it was Guy Sebastian,” she said.
“We couldn’t have got through it without the support of this community. We were getting donations from people we didn’t even know.
“If you look at him now, you wouldn’t know he ever had cancer. He loves to dance and is one of the lead dancers at our church.”
Now cancer-free, Robin is looking forward to graduating from Year 12 at Griffith High School and starting the next chapter of his life, after receiving his present on his 18th birthday on Wednesday (15 July).
“I really want to thank Griffith. I’m so grateful. I’m keen to get a job working in the mines.”
The $1000 cheque may have been the last money left in the fundraising account, but for Robin and his family it was a reminder that an entire community stood beside them through the darkest years of their lives and is still cheering him on as enters adulthood.
