Doctor guides 11-year-old through cancer journey
23 December 2021
5
min read
Rockhampton 11-year-old Eli spent six months in hospital after being diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, but now he’s bouncing back and looking forward to riding his bike and playing sports with his mates, thanks to the support of his healthcare hero, paediatric oncologist Dr Chris Fraser.
Eli’s mother, Samantha, told QSuper they first met Dr Fraser when the youngster was admitted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in January.
“Eli was so overwhelmed and Dr Fraser was the only one who knew how to calm him down. He made sure to tell Eli about everything that was happening to him and had such a gentle approach,” Samantha said.
He has been so helpful to our family, and we were so appreciative to have a strong male role-model looking out for Eli.
Dr Fraser’s calm demeanour helped support Eli and his family throughout the six months they spent in hospital this year and they nominated him to become the latest recipient of the Juiced TV Super Hero Award, supported by QSuper.
Focussed on making patients’ lives easier
Cancer was not the only challenge Eli faced while in hospital. He also experienced complications with his medication, multiple infections, including a Giardia infection, Pseudomonas, and a ruptured appendix.
Through these health complications, Dr Fraser continued to reassure Eli that everything would be okay, and he is now in the maintenance stage of chemotherapy.
“My job at the hospital is to make things even just a little bit easier for each family that I meet by using good communication, and ensure they are confident that their child is receiving the right treatment,” Dr Fraser said.
When I meet a new family, it’s usually an emotionally fraught time for them. My job is to make their time at the hospital as easy as possible.
“I love working with children because they don’t have hidden agendas, they will always be honest with me and tell me how they are feeling.
“Eli is such a tough kid. He showed bravery, constantly asking me tough questions and coped well with going through the treatment for his leukemia.”
Recognising our medical heroes
QSuper is proud of our longstanding partnership with Juiced TV, and the platform we have created in partnership, through the Super Hero Awards Program, for patients and their families to recognise their personal healthcare heroes.
Dr Fraser has worked in paediatric oncology for 25 years, spending the past five years directing the blood and marrow transplant program at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
He was honoured to be nominated for the Super Hero Award.
“Thank you to QSuper for sponsoring this award and honouring the healthcare workers at the hospital. Any award where the nomination comes from one of your patients, particularly when they are a child, is pretty special and meaningful,” said Dr Fraser.
“It’s kids like Eli who are pretty inspirational and deserve the recognition.”
Watch the most recent episode of the Juiced TV Super Hero Awards here