Like most kids, Zac Minty loved LEGO growing up. But when Zac was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 9 in 2019, LEGO on took on new meaning for him.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects connective tissue. In Zac case it was found in the orbit of his right eye after a slightly droopy eyelid prompted further investigations. For Zac and his family this meant heading from home in Canberra straight to Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney for treatment.
Zac’s initial treatment for his cancer was 6 months chemotherapy and radiation. He experienced bad nerve damage from a chemotherapy drug and as a result he had difficulty walking and using his fingers. LEGO was prescribed by the Occupational Therapist as a way to regain function. It really helped, and whats more he loved doing it!
After 9 months cancer-free, Zac’s cancer came back. He had surgery to remove his right eye and orbit and from then on he was constant treatment.
During his hospitalisations or at home, LEGO was something that captured his imagination and gave him joy. He could zone out from his treatment and create something amazing. It gave him a sense of control when so much else was out of his control. From the thrill of picking a new design from the incredible collections, to the smiles on completion – he wanted other kids to share this joy.
Sadly Zac passed away in May 2022, just two months after turning 11.
Zac’s dream was to set up a way for other kids undergoing oncology treatment to pick out their dream LEGO, and escape treatment even momentarily, through creating something wonderful. He also wanted to help find a cure for kids cancer so in the future children don’t have to go through what he did.
Zac’s family have established Bricks & Smiles: the Zac Minty Legacy Project in Zac’s honour. Children and young people in Australia undergoing treatment can apply online for a $400 grant and pick out their dream LEGO kits. The LEGO will be sent to them – either on the ward or at home. Bricks & Smiles will also fund research into sarcomas, a type of cancer for which there have been few advancements in treatment options for the last two decades.