Brave little boy inspires his parents to help others | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

When Matua couple Dan Necklen and Alicia Bicknell heard the words every parent dreads they made the decision to face their anguish head on and are now on a mission to raise as much money as they can for the Child Cancer Foundation.

A month ago, their 2-year-old, Max, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Max hadn't bounced back after a course of antibiotics for what was believed was simply a cold.

Mr Necklen, 27, said his fiancee, Alicia, 26, had asked for tests, after which their doctor told them to take Max to Tauranga Hospital's accident and emergency straight away. They were told it was suspected that Max possibly had cancer and they were to take him to Starship Hospital. With their other son, 7-month-old Finn, they made the trip to Auckland and after further blood tests and an X-ray, leukemia was diagnosed.

 "We were naturally in shock, upset and pretty emotional as it was news no parent ever wants to hear," Mr Necklen said.

Max and his mum have spent the past couple of days back at Starship for further treatment. Mr Necklen said the family would soon be given details of Max's full treatment plan for the next three years, but so far it is great news as his level of leukemia has been reduced from 97 per cent to less than 1 per cent after just four weeks of treatment.

"Max has been amazingly resilient. He's been a little trooper, given he's beginning to feel like a pin-cushion. The doctors and nurses just love him but he is starting to get tired and just tends to want to lie in bed most of the time."

Despite the ordeal the couple have tried to stay positive and intend to raise as much money as they can for the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF). So far they have raised almost $7000.

Mr Necklen said he has set himself a goal to raise $10,000 by next Friday. On July 23, Mr Necklen and about 20 friends and family will shave their heads in appreciation for the society's work. That will coincide with Max's hair loss caused by chemotherapy.

Coincidentally, two months ago a local photographer friend, Dean Preston, took a photograph of Max which will feature in a coffee-table book titled Children of the Bay.

It will be published at the end of the year with all proceeds donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The foundation grants the wishes of children suffering life-threatening medical conditions.

To contribute to the Necklens' efforts visit www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/weheartmax/