A Busselton teenager’s quest to raise funds for brain cancer has caught the attention of billionaire philanthropist Andrew Forrest.
Seven weeks ago, 17-year-old Baxter Hutchinson couldn’t feel his arms or legs, swallow, or see after surgery to remove one of his two malignant brain tumours.
But on Sunday, November 11, he tackled Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’s Walk4BrainCancer Perth, boosted by the news that Mr Forrest’s Eliminate Cancer Initiative will dollar-match everything he raises, up to $100,000.
If Baxter reaches that milestone, Mr Forrest will donate another $100,000, resulting in a potential $300,000 boost for brain cancer research.
The soccer star and recent Cape Naturaliste College graduate said he wanted to fundraise to help future children diagnosed with brain cancer.
“Andrew’s challenge gave me something to strive for each day, a goal to work towards, and something to focus on, other than things like treatment and getting my own body better.”
- Baxter Hutchinson
Baxter’s diagnosis came after three months of occasional vomiting – which doctors put down to Year 12 stress.
Although a gastroscopy and ultrasound gave the all clear, the vomitting increased to the point Baxter’s mother decided to drive him to St John of God Murdoch emergency department.
A CT scan revealed two malignant brain tumours. Baxter underwent an 11 hour surgery on September 20 to remove the primary tumour - the other tumour was considered inoperable.
He had began radiation therapy in October and this will continue until December 11.
Baxter will have a six week break before eight months of chemotherapy.
Baxter described his diagnosis as ‘small setback’ and his fundraising efforts as a small piece of what he had achieved this year.
This year, he played and coached for the South West Phoenix Football Club.
He was awarded the Football West State Soccer Player of 2018 for under 18s and was accepted by the UWA Football Club for 2019.
He graduated in the top 8 of Cape Naturaliste College, finished a traineeship in Outdoor Education and Recreation, and was awarded the Caltex Medal for Best All Rounder.
Despite having to relocate to Perth for treatment, Baxter was able to attend his recent graduation and accept the award.
He now hopes to get into Sport Science at Murdoch University.
So far, Baxter has raised close to $40,000. He thanked his supporters and encouraged the community to get behind the cause
“A coffee costs $5 so if you donate that $5 it’s almost like going without a coffee for a day to help save hundreds of kids lives,” he said.
“I also spoke to my doctor a few days ago and he was talking about grants from the government that are dispersed among all charities.
“He said that $300,000 just given directly to brain cancer research will make a humongous difference for years to come.”
Baxter’s mother Caz said there were no words to describe how proud she was.
“His drive and determination to meet his target has been incredible to watch but nothing beats the pride I feel when I see him apply this to his everyday battle,” she said.
Mr Forrest first got in touch with Baxter after he learned of his diagnosis through his son, who shares a close mutual friend with Baxter.
Since then, he has been a motivator, supporter and friend to the teen.
He said Baxter had shown tremendous character in fighting the terrible disease, and quickly turned his mind to raising funds to help find a cure.
“Cures require research, and research requires capital, so I call on all Australians to step up like Baxter has, accept the challenge and contribute to a better future for people with cancer,” he said.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation chief executive officer Michelle Stewart commended the ‘inspirational campaign’.
“Brain cancer has an awful impact on too many young Australian families, and we desperately need more research funding to find breakthroughs,” she said.
“The passion and determination of the brain cancer community, coupled with the incredible generosity of Australians like Andrew Forrest, is a formidable force.”
Donations can be made at walk4braincancer.com.au/baxter.
The fundraising campaign runs until 5pm on Friday, November 23.