In December last year a very special Carlton supporter came along to a training session at Ikon Park and touched the hearts of staff and players.

Young Carter Savage met Mick Malthouse and the team shortly before undergoing a bone marrow transplant to help combat the extremely rare illness Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

Carter is one of just 20 children in Australia to have been diagnosed with the condition, which results in bone marrow failure and can eventually lead to the most aggressive form of childhood leukaemia.

Carter's mum Karen Savage has written to Carlton to update us on his progress. We're pleased to say he is doing very well!
Karen wrote:

He's doing a great job so far. We have great admiration for how well he is coping with everything. He's finished his chemo and had his transplant and we are hoping and praying that the new cells engraft, only time will tell. His hair has mostly fallen out now which he is quite pleased about because it's just like Chris Judd!!

Carter's hospital room is decorated all Carlton. He even has a Carlton doona cover on each night, which I have to wash everyday (transplant protocol). He loves watching the footage of his visit with the team and it's a great topic of conversation with all the doctors and nurses!

Everyone at Carlton would like to wish Carter and his family all the very best for the difficult months that lay ahead.

Carter's transplant is also a timely reminder of the importance of bone marrow donation. Anyone who thinks they can help should contact the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95.