When nine-year-old Christian Franklin was diagnosed with leukemia two days before Christmas, he thought of his ACT Brumbies namesake Christian Lealiifano.
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His parents Lisa and Don explained his condition by relating to his Super Rugby champion, giving him confidence it was something he, too, could overcome.
The Franklin family are big Brumbies fans and Christian has been attending Super Rugby matches in Canberra ever since he was born.
He's been having treatment at Sydney Children's Hospital, so when the Brumbies' round-six clash with the Japan Sunwolves was moved to Wollongong it was an opportunity Lisa refused to let pass by.
But when she messaged the club about wheelchair access, their response was overwhelming.
They were given sideline seats and Christian was presented with a jersey, beanie, scarf and a brochure from Lealiifano's last match of Super Rugby.
The real treat was a personal video message from Lealiifano himself, who is playing for Jido Shokki in Japan.
"He gave Christian confidence, telling him everything would be OK and to keep fighting hard," Lisa said.
"It was amazing to see, it was quite thrilling.
"We met the boys as they went onto the field and they all high-fived Christian. Every time they came off they would shake his hand and another high-five, it was lovely.
"We were also about to do the team song after the match, and then one of the players gave him his shoes which was awesome because they're so big.
"All the guys were so warm and welcoming. They had something to say to Christian that was special, it really is a Brumbies family."
The Brumbies scored seven tries in their 47-14 thrashing of the Sunwolves on Friday afternoon.
Christian celebrated the Brumbies' best start to the season since 2016 in their locker room, being thrown in the middle of their team song.
It was "amazing and super fun" for the nine-year-old Canberran, who is half-way through his current stage of treatment.
Christian has overcome his fear of needles and his parents say he's coping amazingly well considering what he is facing.
"We now have tools for when Christian is going through a hard time and intensive chemotherapy. He can look back at these photos and videos, which can just help him put a smile back on his face," Don said.
"It's all about mental health as well as physical health. These little moments with the Brumbies and others have helped us create some lovely memories to help in the long-term."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
