Sam Arnold and son Sydney before the Crows vs. Melbourne match at AAMI Stadium. Source: Supplied
PREPARE yourselves people, this one's a tear-jerker.
Single dad Sam Arnold has spent the last six years of his life battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma blood cancer, and with no one else around to look after his five-year-old son, Sydney, it's been a bit of a rough trot.
After numerous rounds of chemotherapy, a bone-marrow transplant, monthly blood transfusions, weekly check-ups, bouts of pneumonia and a blood clot in his lung, funds were tight and Sam was "unabe to work for some time". This meant he couldn't afford to buy a birthday present for Sam on his sixth birthday.
On a whim, he sent a letter to his favourite footy club, the Melbourne Demons, asking for a small helping hand.
"My name is Sam Arnold, I'm a 43-year-old lifetime supporter of the Melbourne Demons footy club.
I was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, blood cancer. I've been struggling with this illness for many years, having much chemotherapy, blood transfusions and a bone-marrow transplant at the Royal Adelaide hospital. I'm also a single father to a 5-year-old boy named Sydney.
Due to my health, I've been unable to work for some time, so I cannot afford even to buy a present for my son. I was wondering if the Melbourne footy club may be able to donate a kid's supporter pack for my son's sixth birthday.
It would really mean a lot to both myself and my son during my recovery."
Sam couldn't have imagined what came next. We'll let this footage explain (here's where that box of tissues will come in handy).
Sydney Arnold with Nathan Jones and Jack Watts at Sam Arnold home celebrating Sydney's 6th birthday. Source: Supplied
A birthday to remember, right?
"I still don't think he's taken the smile off his face," Sam told The Advertiser.
And in even better news, Sam is now in remission.
It's a stark contrast to the day little Sydney was born, when Sam was in palliative care and told he only had a week to live.
"My health fluctuates a lot," he said.
"But I just try to stay healthy and positive for my son. I'm just so grateful to still be here."
L-R Jack Watts, Sydney Arnold and Nathan Jones at Sam Arnold home celebrating Sydney's 6th birthday. Source: Supplied
my friend
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