The Children’s Tumour Foundation Australia fundraising event, held February 15, was coordinated by Adam and Meg Marshall in their son Eddie’s name.
Eddie suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, an incurable genetic condition that can cause tumours to grow on any nerve cell throughout the body, including the brain and spinal cord.
In the days following the Deniliquin Undie Run, the unpredictable condition struck again and Eddie required emergency brain surgery later that week.
It was as Eddie was recovering, the family received the news about the fundraising tallies.
The support from ‘Eddie’s Village’ saw $19,157.97 raised for Children’s Tumour Foundation Australia at the local event.
Along with other donations received the Marshall family donated more than $23,000 to the cause.
Mr Marshall said as a result, the Undie Run will become an annual event.
‘‘There was a phenomenal response by Deniliquin. We’re extremely thrilled with the support of the local community,’’ he said.
‘‘We will definitely hold another event in Deni and next year we plan to make it bigger and better.
‘‘We’re big believers in making an event something that everyone can get something out of, rather than just raising funds and not giving much back.
‘‘It’s also important for the community to come together, especially during those having a tough time with the drought.
‘‘We also want to thank the Pastoral Times for all that you have done.
‘‘Through your efforts with their articles in the paper you have not only helped us raise funds but also raise awareness for neurofibromatosis.’’
The Marshalls were in Melbourne for Eddie’s regular check-up of an optic glioma tumour on his left eye just one day after last month’s Undie Run, and that’s when they realised Eddie needed surgery.
‘‘The surgeon told us to get a CT scan in Deni and it showed there was fluid on Eddie’s brain again,’’ Mr Marshall said.
‘‘He went in for emergency brain surgery because his existing shunt was blocked. He was coping with his existing shunt but it was causing him to be sick.
‘‘Eddie’s a tough little customer. He was up and running around like a lunatic the day after the surgery.
‘‘The good news that came out of it was that the tumour behind his eyes was still presenting as normal and everything is progressing well.’’