BRAEDON MCDONALD was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2015. 

Being a huge Port Adelaide supporter, McDonald would wear his Port gear to each hospital visit knowing his favourite player Travis Boak often visited the hospital.

Boak has been a long-standing ambassador of the Childhood Cancer Association, and in 2016 Braedon’s dream of meeting the former skipper came true.  

In the lead up to Showdown XLI, Boak visited Braedon during one of his treatments which made his day and his family said ‘you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face’.

The Childhood Cancer Association is one of Australia’s key childhood cancer support organisations, working to provide hands-on care for families in need. 

The support provided by the association is tailored to meet the needs of each individual, helping children like Braedon receive the treatment they need in such a difficult time.

On Friday night, Braedon and his hero Boak will be reunited again as the two run out on to Marvel Stadium together for the 30-year-old’s 250th AFL game.

At age 11, and four years after completing his treatment, Braedon is completely cancer free and back playing the sport he loves, footy.