Students dance to help Zayli's fight with bone cancer

Students dance to help Zayli’s fight with bone cancer

Students at Torquay College have danced to help raise funds for Zayli, who is being treated for bone cancer at the Royal Children's Hospital. Photo: SUPPLIED

GRADE 3 students at Torquay College have rallied behind one of their own in an inspiring show of unity, kindness, and community spirit.

Through the Dance for Sick Kids campaign by Ronald McDonald House Charities, the students raised $2,357, which is equivalent to sponsoring 15 nights of accommodation for families with seriously ill children.

Zayli is being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital for bone cancer. Photo: SUPPLIED

The initiative was sparked by the recent diagnosis of one of their classmates, Zayli, who is undergoing treatment for bone cancer.

While the full details of Zayli’s diagnosis were not initially shared with the students, they were aware their eight-year-old friend was unwell and would be away from school for some time.

“When we were notified of Zayli’s diagnosis we were absolutely shattered, as you can imagine,” Torquay College assistant principal Amy Snow said.

“Zayli’s teacher, Ash Martin, suggested we get behind the Ronald McDonald House Charity to dance and help contribute whatever we could.”

Every day, students and teachers embraced the joy of dancing, turning classrooms, corridors and the school grounds into impromptu dancefloors.

Students at Torquay College have danced to help raise funds for Zayli’s family.

The Grade 3 classes danced individually as well as coming together for a conga line of the school grounds.

The campaign reached its high point when the entire school – students, staff, and parents alike – came together for a dance-filled assembly.

“We are so proud of the Year 3 students showing their commitment to supporting their friend in a fun and engaging way,” Ms Snow said.

“Trying to explain what is going on for Zayli and her family to eight- and nine-year old children is not something we want to do, but being able to dance and bring some positive energy to the space put a smile on all our faces in between the tears.”

While Zayli continues her treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, her family have remained by her side every day.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Zayli and her family, and had raised more than $70,000 as of Wednesday this week.

For more information or to donate, head to gofundme.com/f/help-support-zayli-through-her-battle-with-bone-cancer