An extra special birthday for Phoenix

By Sheree Hoddinett

Phoenix Myers celebrated his 10th birthday with a few more cards than most of us would ever expect to receive. After his mum Jaymee-Lee reached out to the community last month, the cards came flooding in. They received 785 cards from across Australia and the world including New Zealand, Sweden, Montenegro, England, Scotland, Canada and America.

But it seems the generosity didn’t just stop there for this Beachmere family. Phoenix’s favourite NRL team the Canberra Raiders also delivered the goods. He received a card from Jarrod Croker with a signed kicking tee and the entire men's team (Canberra Raiders NRL) signed a poster for him. Another Canberra Raiders player, Jordan Rapana, sent some birthday wishes and the entire Canberra Raiders women’s team sent him a card (each player signed it and wrote a little message) along with a fully signed shirt. A complete stranger from Morayfield gave him a fully signed and framed Raiders Jersey (from 2012) - her name is Karen. She reached out to the family after seeing social media posts.

A card arrived from Nancy Kopman, a well-known children's singer/song writer from Canada - Phoenix loves her music.

Video messages came from Josh Papali'i (Canberra Raiders), Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Joel Thompson (former Canberra Raiders) and Bobby Hill (Collingwood Magpies).

Collingwood Football Club sent a birthday certificate signed by Darcy Moore (team captain), as well as a few little goodies. The Collingwood Cheer Squad invited the family to the Suns versus Collingwood AFL match at Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast.

“They paid for our tickets and we got to sit with them, which is a serious honour as you not only have to be a member to join the cheer squad, but there is also a waitlist to join!” Jaymee-Lee said.

“A lot of fellow Canberra Raiders and Collingwood Magpies supporters sent him cards and gifts which tied into those particular sports/clubs, so he has a full wardrobe now. He received signed footballs etc too.

“Phoenix was also offered horse riding by a local lady, Rebekah, so we did that and he loved it. Now he does it every Sunday afternoon. Everyone was so kind and generous. It was beyond anything we could have imagined.”

Phoenix’s reaction to the generosity of everyone who helped make his birthday even more special was one of excitement, especially upon discovering all the cards and of course, he couldn't wait to open all the gifts.

“I do want to say a massive thank you to every single person who sent him a card and/or gift and also to those who sent their well wishes and kind words,” Jaymee-Lee said. “We have felt completely surrounded by love and support. It has been amazing.

“Now that I've finished the full-time job of his birthday, I can focus on starting The Phoudini Foundation.”