Our amazing team at Milestones Early Learning Blair Athol held an early Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on 19th May in honour of their beloved ‘Fighter Frankie’ to raise funds to support him as he fights Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
Organised by Area Manager Sam Cummins, Centre Manager Keyten Gardner and supported by every educator, the Morning Tea offered a chance to be completely connected as the community rallies behind this beautiful boy.
Local community businesses, families and Centre Cook Brooke Gardner, prepared and donated baked goods and their time, to set up and attended the event in their pyjamas from 7:30 am to raise funds to support Frankie with fun and interesting items to enjoy as he patiently endures his hospital treatment schedule.
Centre Manager Keyten Gardner explained:
“Frankie is a sweet little boy that attends our service, who has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Frankie will spend most of his days for the next year in and out of hospital to complete many rounds of chemotherapy. Frankie and his older brother Alessio have been with our Milestones family for a few years now. We wanted to do something extra for Frankie and their family, so we have been promoting their GoFundMe page and also decided as a team to host a morning tea to raise funds directly from our local families."
“You’ve got this Frankie; you’re a strong, brave boy that will fight this. You’ve got the whole Milestones family behind you,” Keyten said.
Frankies mother, Maree Desisto shared, "I am lost for words, your team have been amazing!! It’s so overwhelming all the support the community is giving towards our families during this hard time. Despite everything I’m so glad Frankie is still smiling and being his cheeky bossy self."
When asked about how she felt about the Morning Tea, Maree continued, "Overall, I felt overwhelmed as soon as I got there, I had to hold back the tears. Thank you, Milestones Early Learning Blair Athol for organising this event for our Frankie. It was an amazing turn out and I can’t believe the community spirit.
"We were all so touched by the generosity of the companies who donated, and all the food provided by the centre. Brooke did an amazing job! The event wouldn’t have been possible without your time and commitment. You’ve always been so good to my family, and we are forever grateful."
Local families have rallied around with supportive comments on Facebook and direct to the centre also.
“Sending all my love and strength to little Frankie and his beautiful family,” said Alex Bendsten.
Our community has been contributing via the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/8a9eebfb