A 13-YEAR-OLD Brisbane boy battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma has lived out a dream moment on the pitch, proudly walking out as mascot for Wynnum Wolves FC while in the middle of his toughest fight yet.
Alessandro Muscillo took centre stage before kick-off, stepping onto the field alongside the Wolves players in a powerful show of resilience just weeks after his diagnosis.
Diagnosed at the end of January, Alessandro’s world changed suddenly after his family noticed a lump on his neck shortly after returning from a European holiday.
Before that, he was like any other football-mad teenager – fit, healthy and playing at academy level.
Now, he is undergoing an intensive six-month treatment program at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy in a bid to cure the disease.
Despite the challenge, his family says his mindset has never wavered.
“He’s taken it in his stride,” his father Canio said.
“He’s a good boy, very humble, and he knows he just has to get through this. He just soldiers on.”
Every second Thursday, Alessandro undergoes treatment as an outpatient, with long hospital sessions followed by days of recovery.
But even through the fatigue, his love of football remains a driving force.
That passion made his mascot appearance even more special.
The opportunity came about after Football Technical Director Karl Dodd learned of his diagnosis and reached out to the family, offering a moment of joy during a difficult time.
“The club asked what they could do for us,” Canio said.
“I said nothing, but they suggested bringing him down to walk out with the players.
“He loves football, so it was perfect.”
For Alessandro, the experience provided a much-needed lift.
A chance to focus on something positive rather than the realities of treatment.
“It gives him something else to think about,” his father said.
“He’s been buzzing all day. It’s a dream for him to be out there with the boys.”
Alessandro’s connection to the club runs through his older brother Cristiano, who plays in the Wolves’ academy system, while the family has long been involved around the club.
Away from the field, Alessandro continues to show remarkable strength, supported by his two older brothers who, his father says, “treat him like normal” and something that helps keep life grounded.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, is considered rare in children, but doctors have given the family reason for hope.
“We’ve been told we’re treating for a cure,” Canio said.
While the road ahead remains challenging, Alessandro is already thinking beyond his own fight.
Inspired by the care he has received, he has told his family he wants to become a doctor one day to help other children.
His father said the experience had also opened their eyes to the extraordinary work being done inside the hospital system.
“When you’re on the other side of it, you really see it,” he said.
“The people there are incredible. We can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Alessandro described the experience as unforgettable, saying the day was made even more special by meeting his football heroes.
