SEPTEMBER 4 will forever go down as the most important date in the lives of nine-year-old Caleb Scott, his mum Suzanne Turpie and their family.
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That was the date that a precautionary MRI discovered young Caleb had a four centimetre by four and a half centimetre brain tumour located on the floor of the brain.
It will also go down as the luckiest date of their lives, with doctors predicting only two weeks left for the brave little boy if they hadn't have picked it up.
It took just three days for them to operate, removing most of the stage four medulloblastoma tumour on September 7.
Now he must start a long journey of radiation and chemotherapy, which will begin next week at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick.
It all started when Caleb started becoming ill of a morning, unable to sleep well and complaining of severe headaches.
"He would come good during the day but we wanted to get to the bottom of it," Mrs Turpie said.
"He had minor symptoms and a paediatrician picked up some small things and ordered a precautionary MRI. Thank god that we kept pushing to get to the bottom of it."
It was a massive shock to all, yet a sense of relief that it was recognised before it was too late.
His brothers Dylan, 13, and Ashton, 11, were both shocked when they found out.
"Dad picked us up from school which wasn't what he normally does," Dylan said. "When we got to the hospital we knew that it was bad."
As a result of the surgery, Caleb has paralysis of his right side and other sideaffects.
Doctors are unable to predict when or if the symptoms will cease.
As they always do, the Port Macquarie community has rallied to raise funds for the family who now face extensive medical bills, travel costs and other expenses.
Mrs Turpie will become a full time carer for her son, however was hit with another blow when it was revealed the families insurance would not cover anything.
"There has been an overwhelming amount of support," she said.
"Fundraisers are being organised, dinners being prepared for us, some of my girlfriends are going out of their way for us. We will never be able to thank everyone enough."
The family is now focused on Caleb and keeping his spirits high. He is an avid sports fan and a massive computer game whiz.
"I knew something was wrong because I was sick every day," Caleb said.
"I told mum that it wasn't right. When they found the tumour, I was so shocked."
Ronald McDonald House is already doing a wonderful job of accommodating the family.
Caleb has already had a brush with fame, meeting the Footy Show's Paul Vautin and Darryl Brohman and also received an autograph from one of his favourite Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters Robert Whittaker.
Holiday Coast Credit Union has set up a trust account for Caleb and is now accepting donations.
Anyone who would like to donate can do so with the following details - BSB: 721000, Account number: 100179998 in the name of Caleb Scott.