For Tricia, there’s nothing better than seeing her son Kai smile, given the tough six months he’s faced and the difficult road ahead.

Kai, 13, was diagnosed with Leukaemia in July last year and, since then, has been unable to go to school or play sport, as he underwent chemotherapy.

The footy-mad Crows fan was invited to Adelaide’s pre-season training session on Monday, and was able to interact with his idols.

It is a memory Tricia says will help get Kai through his next round of chemo, which he is set to begin on Thursday.

“He was diagnosed on July 17 last year, he’s just finished six months of intensive chemo and he’s on a two-week break now, before starting treatment again this Thursday,” Tricia said.

“This next round is a 65-day block of treatment… it’s been mentally and emotionally challenging, our life has changed.

“Days like this just take everything away… he’ll sit and talk about this for days and then when he’s in clinic, he’ll sit and show all the nurses photos.

“He’ll talk about this for weeks to come and it will give him something to get through the next few days and the coming months as well.”

Kai, who’s favourite players are Ned McHenry, Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele, is refusing to let his diagnosis dampen his spirits.

The Henley High student said he was grateful to have an opportunity to meet the players and watch them train.

“When I’m in hospital, sometimes people are so negative but I think that’s a bad way to look at it,” Kai told AFC Media.

“It’s just a big challenge I need to overcome and it will make me a stronger person.

“It’s been really good and all the players have been really friendly and caring and it’s just good to be out here in the sun.

“The boys do so much outside of footy, they help so many people, which is really great.”

The Adelaide Crows Foundation’s Crows Care program helps provide quality experiences to children and families in need, like Kai.

Find out more here.