Donate a bear this Easter: Why children with cancer like Boyd need your help
2026-02-16
Friends will find you in different parts of your life. Some you grow up with, others come along when you least expect, and some arrive when you need them most.
For Boyd Bryant, his Sammy Superhero Bear arrived in his life at his hour of need.
Boyd and his family live in Katherine, three hours south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. His mum, Anica, teaches at the local school, while his dad is a builder. Boyd loves swinging golf clubs, casting fishing lines and eating his food.
So when Boyd lost his appetite, Anica knew something was up. She was certain of that when the doctor slid their chair towards her. Boyd had cancer. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, to be exact.
Anica says it all happened at breakneck speed.
“After Boyd was diagnosed, we were given just 20 minutes to pack a bag before heading to Darwin. Once we got there, we were isolated from each other because this all transpired during COVID.
"It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, being away from him at that time.
“Eventually, when we got to the room, there was a friend there to greet us – our very own Sammy Superhero Bear. It became Boyd's constant companion.”
The Bryants spent the night on extra beds and fold-out couches, before Boyd and Anica flew to Adelaide for treatment. He began chemotherapy instantly, with his port put in the following day. The pair remained in Adelaide – away from home – for the next nine months while Boyd received treatment.
“Sammy Superhero Bear was by his side through every single procedure and made him feel safe every time he went into surgery.
He was more than just a toy; he was Boyd’s source of comfort and courage.
Today, Boyd is making good progress. Being remote still makes things tricky, but Anica says they're 'getting there'. She administers him chemotherapy from home, and his numbers are improving with every test.
Sammy Superhero Bear went home with the Bryants and accompanies them to every hospital visit. He’s also got plenty of pals, because Boyd’s love for Sammy kickstarted his soft toy collection. Boyd tells his mum that they mean a lot to him because they’ve been with him throughout his battles.
“I really think there’s no better donation to make than a bear from The Kids’ Cancer Project to a child with cancer this Easter. It gives them something to hold onto when they’re alone in hospital rooms needing comfort,” Anica says.
“I also think it’s something to share the journey with. Boyd was two when he got his first bear. He confided in it.
“Even now, at seven, Boyd still talks about every single teddy he’s had. It’s helped him heal.”
“This Easter, please donate a life-long friend to a child with cancer by 26 March. After seeing the impact that just one bear has had on Boyd, his family cannot imagine any child facing cancer without one by their side.