BRAVE BOY: Rockhampton’s Zane Brown still manages to smile as he battles neuroblastoma, a rare form of children’s cancer.

BRAVE BOY: Rockhampton’s Zane Brown still manages to smile as he battles neuroblastoma, a rare form of children’s cancer. Contributed

IT was meant to be a day of celebration.

But as Kristie Burns blew out the candle on Ollie's first birthday cake, her other son Zane was being diagnosed with an aggressive children's cancer.

"My partner came through the door crying," the Rockhampton woman said.

"I'll never forget that day for the rest of my life."

Three-year-old Zane Brown has neuroblastoma, a rare disease which affects about 40 children in Australia every year.

Kristie said Zane was flown to Brisbane the day after his diagnosis in May.

Now, he is about to start his fifth round of chemotherapy.

LITTLE BATTLER: Zane in the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Contributed

Away from family and friends, Kristie decided to set up a Facebook page documenting Zane's journey.

"It's hard to write about it and put it out there, but people need to know about this cancer," she said.

For at least the next 12 months, Kristie and her family will call the state's capital home.

The young family is one of many being helped by Justine Christerson, who supports regional and rural patients in Brisbane hospitals.

Justine featured in a Morning Bulletin article in June.

While the journey is far from over, Kristie said Zane is "kicking arse".

"He's a pretty boisterous kid," she said.

"When his blood cell count is high enough we try to take him places.

KICKING BUTT: Zane helps out with some cooking during a rare trip away from the hospital. Contributed

"He loves animals so we took him to a koala sanctuary the other day and we want to take him to Seaworld.

"You've just got to power through; you can't show you're upset."

Kristie said the childhood cancer support units they are staying in are full of families in the same boat.

She said she would like to see more funding and awareness for childhood cancers.

FOLLOW ZANE'S JOURNEY

Visit facebook.com/Zanesjourney