Brave five-year-old finally cancer free

After 14 months of gruelling cancer treatment, young Declan Kane is in remission.

Parents Simon and Kim Kane were overjoyed with last month’s news from doctors that their five-year-old was cancer free.

“He’s had his final scans and tests and everything like that, and he’s in remission, ” Mr Kane said.

Declan will have three-monthly check-ups for the next two years but for now life is almost back to normal and he has returned to school.

He was diagnosed with high-risk, stage-four neuroblastoma just before his fourth birthday in April 2013.

The little boy has since endured intense treatment comprising repeated rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy to boost his immune system.

“He’s a very tough little boy, ” Mrs Kane said.

“He’s only been out of treatment for four weeks, not even that, and he’s at school full time, he’s doing karate, he’s doing piano and attempting to play football.”

But Mrs Kane said he was still recovering.

“The endurance and stamina side of things, that will take time, ” she said.

“He’s only just beginning to eat again; he’s had the nasogastric tube for so long.”

The Kanes thanked their extended family, friends and community members in the South West for their support, kind wishes and prayers.

Thousands of dollars were raised through an auction, music concerts and other fundraisers and contributed to a trust to cover their expenses.

Mr Kane took a year off from his job with Western Power and the family stayed with Declan in Perth while he received treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

“The support from the community in the Lower South West from Bunbury through to Albany has been fantastic,” Mr Kane said.

Mrs Kane said their journey was not over just yet.

“But we do feel lighter, we feel kind of normal, ” she said.