Santo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2008 and it has been an uphill battle since then.

However, the family has received support not just from friends, family and the wider community, but the Country Hope organisation.

Santo's mother Maria said the family had been involved with the group since 2010.

Country Hope is a family-centred support organisation for children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Mrs Celi said the group had helped her family through some tough times.

"Santo has been through a bit, he's had a bone marrow transplant and there were a lot of side effects from that," she said.

Santo spent two years in a wheelchair after he was diagnosed with steroid-induced osteoporosis and a number of spinal fractures.

"He's had two years of treatment to strengthen the bones," she said.

"He's still got a lot of muscle problems from being inactive, but there has been no sign of the leukaemia.

“(This) year is our five-year anniversary after treatment and that will be a big milestone."

Mrs Celi said Country Hope had been more than supportive.

"They are wonderful," she said.

"They supplied an electric wheelchair for Santo to use at school, that was wonderful, and they've flown us  up to Sydney and done a couple of emergency flights for us.

"He went to camp for the first time (last) year and he loved it."

Mrs Celi said Santo loved catching up with the other children at Country Hope events.

"It's great to catch up with the kids," she said.

"When they're together they have a great time."

While Santo missed four years of school, he was determined to stay on track.

"He finished year eight (last) year," Mrs Celi said.

"He's behind, but the Department of Education has been wonderful."