Eli Chatfield is more excited about getting to footy training than getting out of hospital.
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He is itching to be back on the field after six weeks of radiation therapy – pending doctor’s permission.
The staunch NRL devotee will have six weeks at home with friends and family before returning to hospital to continue with a course of chemotherapy for a tumour on his brain stem.
Family say they have been overwhelmed by the support Eli has received from Batemans Bay and the broader NRL community.
“People bag little towns but that’s the beauty of living in a small town, people just get behind you and we’ve been blown out of the water,”Eli’s uncle, Shane Chatfield, said after Saturday’s fundraiser in Batemans Bay.
“I just can’t imagine this happening in the city,”
“We can’t thank everyone enough. It’s been touching and powerful to see the how the community has responded to Eli,” he said
“With the NRL you often hear about the bad stuff, but it’s a real fraternity and that’s what’s been keeping Eli going.
“For his birthday, his football team the Wests Tigers invited him to training; they had him up on their shoulders and were singing happy birthday.
"It’s a real fraternity and that’s what’s been keeping Eli going"
- Shane Chatfield
Cronulla Sharks Chris Heighington and Andrew Fifita, Rabbitoh Sam Burgess, Eli’s favourite player West Tiger David Nofoaluma and former Kangaroo Paul Sironen, have all visited or raised funds.
Michael O’Loughlin, of the Sydney Swans AFL team, also stopped by Eli’s hospital bed. Eli has been mentioned on NRL 360 and by Brad Fittler while commentating a Wests Tigers game.
“He’s one tough kid and I know I’ve missed having him around. This is going to be a really special time for all his friends and family,” Shane said.
“We can’t wait for him to come home.”
To donate, head to: https://www.gofundme.com/fighting-for-eli
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