Unfortunately they revealed the worst and Marcus was diagnosed with a brain tumour and rushed into surgery that night.
As a result of the surgery, which removed the tumour, Marcus lost his ability to speak and to walk.
During the months following the operation, Marcus, who was nine years old at the time, endured intensive rehabilitation and speech therapy at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Two years on from surgery and remarkably, Marcus (now 11 year old) is now walking and talking because of his determination and the support of dedicated staff at the hospital and Starlight Children’s Foundation.
On Friday 28 March, Marcus was able to fulfill his wish to meet Hawthorn players by being invited to the Ricoh Centre, where he would be introduced to the players and Senior Coach, Alastair Clarkson.
He was then given the opportunity to run through the banner with the team onto Etihad Stadium ahead of the blockbuster Round 2 clash against Essendon.
Hawthorn Football Club is proud to have developed a strong partnership with Starlight through providing memorable experiences to seriously ill children each year.
Starlight Children’s Foundation provides programs integral to the total care of seriously ill children – while health professional’s focus on treating the illness, Starlight is there to lift the spirits of the child, giving them the opportunity to laugh, play and be a child again.
If you would like more information on the fantastic work Starlight does, visit them online www.starlight.org.au
Marcus meets his favourite player, Jarryd Roughead at the Ricoh Centre.
Marcus on game day, ready to run out with the team.
He is greeted by Luke Hodge as he runs out onto Etihad Stadium with the team.
