Six-year-old Durakai Smith may be on the road to recovery, but he still has a long way to go as he learns to walk again after having sustained a brain injury and several broken bones during an incident which almost cost him his life last August.
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Parents Brinae and Glen Smith have so far stayed strong and have remained by their sons side every second of every day, but those days away from home are long and emotionally draining, not only for them but also for their two younger daughters.
One of the things keeping the Smith's strong is the love of their family, friends and the overall community.
A friend of Mr Smith, Brodie Chapman, has gotten behind the family and is driving a Fundraising initiative, an auction, to help fund Durakai's treatment, as being away from home and not being able to work has been financial chaos for the family of five.
On the night there will be NRL Jerseys auctioned along with an array of other items. There will also be hair, beauty, retail and hospitality vouches, raffles and lucky door prizes.
Grandmother of Durakai, Lowana West said Durakai is one of a kind and masks his struggles behind a smile as he is a naturally 'larger than life' kind of person, with a determination like no other.
"He (Durakai) still has a long road ahead of him," she said.
"He has Occupational Therapy every day and is currently learning to walk again.
"He has a 15 minute attention span due to his brain injury, but he hasn't cried or complained once.
"It's just not in his nature."
Lowana said although Brinae and Glen remain positive for Durakai's sake, it has been, and continues to be incredibly hard, as there is no pain like the pain of a parent seeing their child in a critical condition and not being able to do anything about it.
The fundraiser will be held at the Commercial Hotel on Sunday, October 25 from 2pm, the same night as the NRL Grand Final.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.123tix.com.au/.../darkeye-family-fundraiser for $15 a head.
Brinae and Glen would also like to say thank you to all of the sponsors.
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Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
