"WE are the lucky ones" is one of the last things you'd expect to hear from the mother of a boy who has been gravely ill, but Rosebud South's Tracie Berridge's optimism is well-placed.
Her son Daniel, 17, is on the mend after more than six years of intense treatment for lymphoma, diagnosed in 2004 when he was 11.
Ms Berridge, who lost her brother at age 11 to a rare hereditary disorder, X-linked lymphoproliferative disorder (XLP), knew there was something hindering her son's recovery. Her maternal instincts proved spot-on after testing revealed Daniel had XLP, which doctors believe led to him contracting lymphoma.
Daniel, who received most of his treatment at Monash Medical Centre, underwent a bone marrow transplant before Christmas at the Royal Children's Hospital and was discharged in mid-February.
Ms Berridge says the staff and parents of sick children at the hospital provided the family with invaluable support.
"They are just brilliant. You have your moments, but there really is someone worse off. We are the lucky ones."
Daniel is now nearing the end of 100 days of isolation, a major milestone to his recovery, which included wearing a mask and a undertaking a 'clean diet' in which he can only eat non-processed food cooked within the hour.
"I really want to thank my family, my girlfriend Steph and all my mates for their support," Daniel said.
■ Friday is the 79th Good Friday Appeal for the RCH. Prior to the televised appeal, donations can be made to 92921166 or visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
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