WHEN Jackson Grant was diagnosed with cancer in January, it was his mother Nanette's worst nightmare.
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The 22-year-old had already been through cancer treatment once, when he was 14 – an aggressive tumour on one of his legs meant it had to be amputated just above the knee.
Sadly, that wasn't going to be the end of their ordeal.
The second diagnosis, this time in Jackson's lungs, has come as a body blow for the family after he had gone nearly five years cancer-free.
“We're just praying and hoping at the moment,” Mrs Grant said.
“It's a parent's worst nightmare.
“There's thousands of people out there who need help, this time it's Jackson's turn.”
Jackson is back at home after a 10-day stint of radiation therapy at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, but will have to return once more.
It means he won't be in town to attend a fundraiser organised by friends for the Grant family on March 12.
Fiona Marshall and a number of other close friends of the Grants have spearheaded the event, to be held at O'Maille's Pub in Wodonga.
“It's just good to be able to help – often there's not really a lot you can do,” Mrs Marshall said.
“But this way we can get involved and people have just been amazing – the support we've had from people has been incredible.”
A number of local businesses have jumped on board, donating items for an auction to be held on the fundraising evening, while O'Maille's will help by providing food.
Well-known Border performer Philomena Dobson will also be singing at the event until late.
“We wanted to be able to have a bit of fun with this as well,” Mrs Marshall said.
“Anybody is welcome to come along.
“I've known the family for about six years, I met Nanette through a friend of mine and she welcomed me into her family.”
Mrs Grant said she was blown away upon hearing of the fundraising effort.
“When Fiona told me about it I gave here the biggest hug,” she said.
“I never would have expected her to do anything like that.
“You don't always reach out to people when you need help, you just take things day-by-day.
“There might be times where you need a hug or a shoulder to cry on.
“But for them to do this, I'm just completely blown away, I just didn't expect it.”
The fundraising night will be on the long weekend of Sunday March 12 at O'Maille's pub.
Sandwiches and finger food will be provided, while meals can be ordered.
Entry is free.