Macey's Croc-tastic Outdoor Adventure Wish

From collecting gumnuts at her local park to camping across Queensland, 8-year-old Macey harnesses her big feelings to explore the great outdoors

Macey the outdoor explorer

Known as a forester and for her outdoorsy soul, Macey can often be found foraging and collecting items she finds out in nature, especially gumnuts! She also loves metal-detecting (or "treasure hunting" as Macey's mum, Kika refers to it) with Kika's partner, Sam.

Basically, she enjoys anything fun that can be done out in the wild, particularly if it involves animals or creating something with her own hands.

"She loves going down to the beach to find crabs and go fishing. Most of our time is spent playing outside, or doing jewelry making, or finding lots of little cool stuff. She's always loved being outside, even prior to her diagnosis. She played in the backyard or the park and stuff like that," says Kika.

Macey has also taken to kayaking, which Kika says has helped build her daughter's confidence, and is when it seems like Macey is really "in her element."

Macey faces her recovery with courage

On Macey's 2nd birthday, she underwent a second surgery for her atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (brain tumour). However, this was just the first hurdle that Macey and her family faced on their uphill road to recovery.

Following Macey's brain surgery, Kika was told that her family would need to relocate to Melbourne for a minimum of six months because Macey's treatment was not available in Hobart, where they currently lived.

Macey endured a stroke during her first surgery, plus two seizures post-surgery. Her recovery also included learning to sit, crawl, walk, and talk all over again. But Macey looked each of these challenges in the eye and took them on with bravery and resolution.

It is with immense joy that we share the very happy news of Macey's remission. ⭐

But she's so determined. Everything she wants to achieve, she has achieved so far. Recently she loves jumping on the trampoline.

Kika, Macey's mum

Something big on the horizon

In anticipation of her wish, the Hobart Volunteer Branch provided Macey with some flamingo-themed (her favourite animal of course!) gifts, and she was also invited to explore a real-life campervan in person! This was thanks to the generosity of volunteer, Allana, who sadly passed away a few months later.

It was at the 2023 Hobart Gala Ball when Macey's Wish Reveal took place. On stage with her whole family, it was announced that Macey's wish 'to go camping and kayaking with her family in Queensland' was coming true! ⭐

Photos: Macey dancing alone at the 2023 Hobart Gala Ball

Exploring the great outdoors

Macey's mighty big outdoor wish took off with a flight from Hobart to Cairns, with her mum, big sister Layla, and grandma!

Then it was time to pick up their Apollo 6 Berth Euro Deluxe Motorhome, which would be their home for the next four nights.

In Cairns, the family camped at the award-winning BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut holiday resort, where Macey could safely swim, go-kart, and explore.

At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, the family got to hold a baby crocodile and meet a whole bunch of Aussie animals, including wombats, koalas, emus, and many more!

Next on their adventure map was driving to the Big4 holiday resort in Port Douglas; situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient World Heritage rainforest.

Macey was scheduled to enjoy a Sunrise Kayak Turtle Tour in Port Douglas, but unfortunately this activity was cancelled due to the weather. An alternative kayaking experience is currently in the works for Macey.

Wish sparks joy for sisters

Throughout Macey's medical journey, her older sister, Layla has been right by her side.

"When Macey was in hospital, Layla did so much for her. She has always cared so much for her and has always had her needs in the back of her mind," says Kika.

So when thinking about Macey's mighty big outdoor wish, Kika commented that it would mean a lot to both of her daughters.

"I think this means so much because Macey really deserves to have fun, be happy, and have joy in her life. Especially because she spends a lot of her time feeling frustrated or looking at other kids wondering why she can't do the same things as them," Kika says.

"But I think it also means a lot for her older sister to go on the wish too because... although it was Macy who endured the treatment, and the surgeries, and everything that revolves around that; emotionally, it was tough on Layla as well. So it's really special that they both get to really enjoy it and have a holiday because we don't go on trips very often."