St Columba's Primary School pupils have rallied to the support of their brave classmate Blake Dridan, who remains in medical isolation as he battles a rare blood disorder.
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The 11-year-old underwent a bone marrow transplant following a shock diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia, which is a disease where the body fails to produce enough blood cells.
It has been a rough trot for Blake as he must remain in isolation after his operation so he does not contract any infection.
Sadly, his big sister Georgia was unable to visit him for 30 days.
But fundraiser organiser Nicky Russel, who oversaw an afternoon of music at the Ballarat North Sports Club on Sunday, said Blake was now able to see his family.
“We thought something we could offer is music,” Ms Russel said. “Blake’s illness has had a huge impact on St Columba’s.
"Everyone who sang today has a close connection to the school.
“Blake and his older sister Georgia have been in our community for years.
"He is just the most beautiful, gentle boy.
“Blake’s dad, Luke, said their first milestone was 30 days after the transplant and then they waited for 100 days, and now he has made that. And he will have tests to see how it all went.”
All money raised on Sunday will go directly to the Dridan family to help cover medical bills and accomodation costs in Melbourne.
Initially the family had trouble finding a match for Blake's blood marrow transplant but eventually they found one.
St Columba's Primary School’s Japanese teacher Erica Ruth said the transplant had forced the school to realise the importance of organ donation and how to register.
"It’s been difficult for our students to understand exactly what it is he’s going through,” she said.
“But they’ve been really positive for him, making sure they keep in contact while he’s in isolation.
“He is a very kind and caring boy.”
To help Blake, phone St Columba’s Primary School on 5332 4894.
