With beanbags and blankets in tow, around 140 locals packed into the club's auditorium to watch a special screening of the prehistoric family animation, ‘The Croods’. Meanwhile, some 480km away at the Ronald MacDonald House in Randwick with his Mum Carla, Jude also tuned into to watch the stone age comedy at the same time as his friends back in Macksville.

Jude also prepared a couple of thank you videos for the night, which were a warming touch that reminded everyone attending just how special it was to be part of this fundraiser. 

Jude’s Dad Adam and brother Finn, who were there on the night, said it was so great to see such a big turnout.

“Our family can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and kind words. We are overwelmed by the support of everyone in the Nambucca Valley and will be forever grateful,” Jude’s Dad Adam said.

“Special thanks to the Movin Marrow for Jude team for your endless hours of hard work and support over the last few months.”

The fundraiser was the brainchild of local ladies and friends of the Ross family, Jess Lambert, Alanah Riddell and Kellie Keen.

Jess Lambert said they wanted to do something to help the family, who have been through a lot over the last few years since Jude was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS). The condition means Jude has an increased risk of bruising and serious bleeds, has a poorly functioning immune system, and also suffering from arthritis for the past two years, has ultimately led to him needing a bone marrow transplant.

Since January 18, the Ross family have had weekly trips to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Randwick for infusions prior to a central line being inserted on February 21 in preparation for Jude’s transplant.

Remarkably, the marrow that matched best for Jude was donated by a lady in the USA – and on March 5, Jude received his life changing transplant.

Now on his journey to recovery, Jude must spend a minimum of 100 days in medical care before he can come home. Jude goes to the children’s hospital three times a week for blood tests and check ups. His Dad says he is in good spirits, apart from missing his family and friends in Macksville. 

“He has 100% engrafted and has new donor cells growing in his body,” Adam said.

“We are hoping that the transplant will give him a better quality of life and he can enjoy all aspects of being a kid.”

Jude was discharged from Sydney Childrens Hospital three weeks ago on day +34 and has moved to an isolation unit at Ronald McDonald House, where he will stay until at least day 100. The fundraiser night was held on Jude’s day +50 – his half-way-home mark.

“A Facetime call from Jude just prior to everyone turning up, showed us that this little dude is worth every ounce of effort spent on this night, Co-organiser Jess Lambert said.

“He was so excited that all his mates were coming to watch the movie he had also organised some popcorn of his own and the same movie on his I pad and watch while we did.”

With popcorn, lollies and glow wands being a hit with the kids and adults alike, the Movin Marrow for Jude team managed to raised just over $3000 on the night.

“Thank you to all who came and enjoyed the night, and thank you to the Macksville Ex-services for supplying the space for us to hold the night,” Jess said. 

Once the movie was over, the monster raffle was drawn. It consisted of 36 prizes, all donated by local businesses.

“A huge thank you to all the businesses and our wonderful community for their continual help and support towards our fundraiser. It is amazing was a kind and generous community we have here on the Mid North Coast,” Jess said.

To keep up to date with Jude’s progress follow the fundraising team’s Facebook page Movin Marrow for Jude.