LIFE isn't fair.

The story of 8-year-old Callum Eaton and his family proves that much, but also that, with compassion and strength, some people can overcome the worst life can throw at you.

In 2002, his mum Tenille was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then two years later his dad Kieran was diagnosed with tunnel vision and declared legally blind, and then in 2009, Callum became sick with blood cancer at the age of 5.

Last year, Callum lost his best friend Kael Holman to cancer.

A few months ago, the family were told Callum’s wish to travel to the Gold Coast to ride rollercoasters, go down waterslides and be a movie star could not be granted because of a lack of funding at Make-A-Wish Australia.

Now Kael’s mum, Leah Holman, is shaving her head to raise money for Callum’s dream, and encouraging West Australians to help out as well.

Mother Tenille Harrison said the family had almost lost Callum last year, which is why it was so important for him to live out his dreams.

“Callum has endured nearly three whole years of daily chemotherapy, too many lumbar punctures to count, plied with toxic and bio hazardous drugs to poison him to make him better.

“He has been so strong and such a warrior throughout this. He has rarely complained and has dealt with this as a man would. We are so proud of him,” Mrs Harrison said.

“His reward has always been to go away once his treatment is complete in July 2012 - that is if he is well enough to travel then. If not, his reward may have to be pushed into 2013.”

Because Make-A-Wish Australia can not accept any new wishes, the family has taken it upon themselves to raise funds to grant his wish for a trip to the Gold Coast.

“Callum has never done any of these things before,” his mum said. “He hasn’t even been on an airplane or out of Western Australia. We cannot do this alone given our other obstacles to deal with and we are asking for your help please.”

"The holiday aside, I would like to have some money available to Callum for medical costs. All the drugs he has been given have side effects and long term effects. One of my greatest fears in not knowoing what all of them mixed up have done and will do to his body in the future. It scares me so very much."

To make a direct donation:

BSB 066158ACCOUNT: 1029 0477ACCT NAME: Callum EatonBANK: Commonwealth Bank

Leah Holman and another leukaemia patient will shave their heads to raise money for Callum’s Wish at a morning tea open to the public. For more details on how to donate to the shave or attend the morning tea:

The Shave: https://www.facebook.com/events/352013874837168/

Morning Tea: https://www.facebook.com/events/320412714689287/

To donate to Make A Wish, call 1800 032 260 or go to www.makeawish.org.au

To contact the reporter: cannl@pst.newsltd.com.au