Kayl’s image in hearts forever

By Rebecca Fraser
THE image of a Narre Warren South man dying of cancer will be forever etched in his family’s mind following an act of generosity.
Kayl McLachlan was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour last year and in recent weeks his condition has deteriorated rapidly.
On the weekend, the 20-year-old was admitted to the palliative care ward at Casey Hospital, where he will spend the remainder of his short, but full life.
Despite his impending death, Kayl’s family has not dwelled on the tragedy, and instead has taken the time to thank those who have helped ease their plight.
On Easter Saturday, Kayl’s family came together to have glamour portraits taken at Starshots Glamour Studio in Fountain Gate.
The last-minute photo shoot was made possible after his sister, a Navy officer, was able to get time off to come home and the family could be booked in following a cancellation at the Narre Warren studio.
Kayl’s mother, Margaret Baines, said if her son had not had the photos taken that weekend the family would never have had the opportunity as his condition went rapidly downhill the next week.
Ms Baines said that when she arrived to pick up the portraits last week she discovered the company had made them another large framed photo at no cost.
The mother of three said the act of generosity had completely blown her away and had made a difficult time just that little bit easier.
“They were just so brilliant and so kind and thoughtful,” she said.
“It really was perfect timing. If we had left it any longer it would not have been possible and we would not have these lasting shots.
“Now that Kayl is in palliative care these photos have become an even bigger deal to the family. They are very important to us and they are good memories we will have forever.”
Ms Baines was forced to give up work following Kayl’s diagnosis, and the family has subsequently lost their home in Berwick, as their mortgage was dependent on two incomes.
Kayl was working in Queensland when he fell ill and spent four weeks in intensive care before his family could fly him home.
Ms Baines said friends had rallied around her son since the former Berwick Secondary College student fell ill and plans were now afoot to organise a fun run in his honour.
Mark Berrell is best friends with Kayl’s brother, Joel, and said many people were keen to organise a charity run through Narre Warren and Berwick to raise funds for the family and cancer research.
He said he was meeting with the Casey ARC yesterday (Wednesday) to see if they could offer support and they were already looking for local sponsors.
“They have gone through a really rough patch but they never complain,” Mr Berrell said.
“They are a great family and we just really want to do something for them and raise as much as possible to help them get back on their feet.”
Ms Baines said her son was happy-go-lucky and his attitude towards his diagnosis had been amazing.
“He has this thing that he would rather it be him than someone else,” she said.
“Everyone who meets him is amazed by his attitude. He is very accepting and has not rallied against the world and done the why me thing. He is extremely weak now, but just keeps smiling,” she said.