By Kirra Livingstone
BEERWAH’S brave young fighter, Kayden Farrar, is set to complete his final round of chemotherapy on June 23 after being diagnosed with a rare eye cancer.
Kayden was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (RB) in February, resulting in the removal of his left eye, which was 80 per cent affected by cancer.
To support Kayden and raise funds for the Queensland Children’s Hospital RB Clinic, his family held a fundraiser at the Beerwah Hotel on March 30, raising more than $2000.
Kayden’s mother, Caitlin Farrar, said he has remained resilient throughout treatment and the transition to receiving a glass eye.
“His confidence has still been good, we’ll go to a park for example and he’s not distraught,” she said. “He’s lost his hair but we decided not to shave it off, he’s been wearing beanies and hats but sometimes he won’t.
“Kayden has also really adapted to his new eye, he loves it, but sometimes he will ask if he can get his old eye back.”
Ms Farrar said the family chose not to re-enrol Kayden in prep this year.
“He is going to kindy occasionally though, and when he does, he will show the other kids his eye and they love it and don’t judge at all,” she said.
After his final chemo session, Kayden will undergo tests to confirm he is cancer free — a moment his family hopes will bring peace.