Though Rikki Organ remains in hospital after his second stem cell transplant, he has been buoyed by news that his son has secured a gig as the support act for an international artist.
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Tyne-James Organ is a young musician and entertainer who recently stood next to his multi MO Award-winning father with other members of the family at a sold-out fund-raiser organised by Scott Radburn.
That event was supported by many friends and members of the entertainment industry including Graham Wilson, Trent Bowater, Mick On Wheels, Jennifer Grey and Robert Specogna.
It raised $25,547.50 to help the family pay mounting medical costs during Rikki’s battle with cancer.
But the news that his son would be taking the stage with an international act has given Rikki a huge boost.
Rikki was due to leave hospital after Australia Day following his second stem cell transplant when he fell ill and has not yet been able to leave.
But his mood lifted this week when, in his words, ‘‘My son TJ has scored the support act for English performer Lewis Watson.’’
Rikki said the two musicians met when Tyne-James was in London in 2013 for a record launch by Watson. Details are still being finalised but it has buoyed Rikki and the whole family who have some other exciting news to share soon.
But there can never be enough good news when you have been battling cancer for more than five years, as Rikki has.
Mid last year, he was not expected to live after he contracted double pneumonia.
But the response from his army of fans and countless people who had quietly helped over the years was overwhelming and that gave Rikki, his wife Jane and Tyne-James and his sister Taylour’e Louise hope.
It wasn’t long before the former winner of Bert Newton’s popular television talent show New Faces was back on his feet and back on the stage doing what he loved, despite the mounting medical expenses for new cancer drugs and treatment.
Rikki was originally diagnosed with multiple myeloma blood cancer in 2009 and started chemotherapy in March 2010.
He had 18million stem cells removed and then had a stem cell transplant of six million cells in August 2010.
But nothing has kept him off the stage and he is still working at the Builders Club during the week and doing many emceeing duties and performances as well as shows in rest homes for the elderly.
