Aussie boy's heartbreaking death brings radio hosts to tears
Two Australian radio presenters were moved to tears delivering news about the passing of a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with a terminal illness four years ago.
Ryan "Fitzy" Fitzgerald and Michael "Wippa" Wipfli of Sydney breakfast show Fitzy & Wippa had the heartbreaking task of having to update listeners about the tragic passing of Brooklyn Tran, who they had featured two months before on the show's "We've Got Your Back" segment.
The duo, generally known for their lighthearted broadcasts, changed their tune Monday morning upon learning about the painful news.
Words from a loving mother
Fighting back tears, Wippa spoke to listeners about the brave nine-year-old, who was only given weeks to live after being diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body and commonly arises in and around the adrenal glands.
"Lots of people have been asking for an update on Brooklyn, and sadly this morning we were told that on Saturday night around 6.30, Brooklyn passed away," Wippa told his audience, before proceeding to read the Instagram post about Brooklyn's passing from his mother, Cara.
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"Our beautiful little Brooklyn passed away peacefully at 6:40pm surrounded by loved ones in the arms of mum and dad. Our little bubby, thank you for the most wonderful nine years, you are more than I could have ever hoped for, more than I ever deserved. You always had a heart of kindness. And you were beyond your years, we've all been so lucky to know you. Please don't be scared my Bubby, Tyas will take care of you until Mummy can be with you again," Wippa read, holding back tears between pauses.
"So, we just we were so touched to be able to meet Brooklyn, and we were so thrilled that we could help out in the small way that we did," the devastated host added. "And we knew it was always going to end the way it did, but at the same time, we were able to offer some distraction and put a smile on Brooklyn's face along with some fantastic memories that his mum and dad will always have."
"That's the one thing that we wanted to do was give them some memories before he passed. And they did. He was a beautiful little boy," Co-host Fitzy added as he thanked Sydneysiders for responding to the GoFundMe campaign that helped raise $143,000 for Brooklyn.
The duo also posted the sad update on an Instagram post, adding: "Our hearts go out to Brooklyn's parents Cara and John and his family. So many people were touched by Brooklyn's story and we want to thank everyone who jumped on board to help out and give him experiences of a lifetime."
In August, young Brooklyn's parents John and Cara were told that their son only had six weeks to live after doctors had run out of options, an update on the GoFundMe page read. Brooklyn's dad left his job to spend whatever time he had left with his son and the fundraiser was established to support the family during the difficult time.
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