Craig Scott Donaldson 19/10/64 – 1/2/72
In 1970 Craig was a proficient reader with Dr Seuss’s ‘One Fish, Two Fish’ a favourite book. He lived on a farm with lots of boy things to do, thrived in his school environment & always striving to’ mix it’ with his university & senior high school brothers & their peers.Prior to his sixth birthday Craig was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, the prognosis perhaps 3 months. Craig’s treatment at the POW hospital in Sydney was always considered to be linked to research into the disease & a piece in the jigsaw that may one day lead to cure. Observing a young lad, previously fit, connected to a drip in a hospital ward of similarly afflicted kids is daunting particularly knowing the futility of outcome.

In hospital Craig enjoyed Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ & completed, but half, a ceramic tile coffee table. His family dealt with running a farm, university & year 12 studies, logistics of six hours between family farm to POW Sydney hospital & family separation.

It is worth noting that during Craig’s illness a man of religion paused on the veranda of the family home & prayed for a miracle for Craig’s cure. No miracle was forthcoming & we know that a cure will only be as a result of years of research by dedicated doctors & scientists such as those treating Craig 40 years ago.

Craig’s ceramic tile table was finished by his mother but in a distinguishable lack of pattern.
-Written by Ross Donaldson 18/02/08
Craig would have been my uncle. I will be shaving my head on Friday March 14th to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation, however, if I reach my target, I’ll wax my legs as well and send photos around for the enjoyment of those sponsored me. Please just give whatever you feel comfortable with as every little bit helps.

Donations can be made by visiting James’ profile page.