By Kirstie Fitzgerald
When 13-year-old Liam Keenan-Hayes runs out for his 50th game this Sunday for Albion’s Under 14B team, it will not only be a milestone for him, but a day his whole family will remember.
With his 14-year-old sister Maddison, mother Patricia and grandma Pat cheering him on from the sidelines, the day will also be a special occasion for his mother, who is battling cervical cancer.
Diagnosed with the disease 15 months ago, Patricia will be spending her Mother’s Day supporting her son, as she has been doing every Sunday since he first pulled on the boots with the Cats in 2011.
Recently discovering that Patricia’s cancer is now terminal, the Albion Football Club decided to show its support for the family and make Liam’s milestone game one to remember.
“As this maybe one of the last milestones Liam and Patricia will share, we wanted to make it an extra special day for the family, filled with lots of happy memories,” Albion Junior Administrator Karyn Tribe said.
As a symbol of support for Liam and his family, all Albion junior players will be lacing up teal coloured shoelaces in recognition of cervical cancer as a way to raise awareness for the disease.
Growing up barracking or the Western Bulldogs, Liam’s day will be made all the more special with a few Western Bulldog players attending his 50th game to give the U14 team some words of wisdom before they run out against Flemington Juniors.
“The Western Bulldogs Football Club has kindly arranged for a few of its players to come down to surprise Liam and hopefully hold his banner as he runs out,” Karyn said.
Understanding the financial and emotional strain terminal cancer can have on any family, the Albion Football Club will also be raffling off a number of items in order to raise money for the family.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donations from the community,” Kayrn said.
“All proceeds made from the day will be donated to the Keenan family and we are hoping that we can turn this into a real family event.”
While the day will no doubt be emotional for everyone involved, Liam is focused on helping his team chalk up its second win for the season.
“Liam is always well mannered, polite and a pleasure to have around the club.
“While he is a quiet achiever, he is also very courageous and extremely team orientated, so we wish him well for his milestone game,” Karyn said.
Watch Liam’s story on 7NEWS this Sunday night from 6pm or catch some of the highlights on the WRFL Junior Footy Show during the week online at www.wrfl.asn.au
Last Modified on 07/05/2015 11:32