Basketball fan Noah, 8, treated to surprise meet with Adelaide 36ers recruit Alex Starling

A four-hour drive to Adelaide is a regular occurrence for eight-year-old Noah Hallam, but his most recent visit was a very different experience.

Noah, who lives in Whyalla, was treated to a surprise meet and greet with the Adelaide 36ers’s newest recruit, Alex Starling, on the weekend.

Noah, who lives with craniosynostosis, travels to Adelaide up to 12 times a year for appointments with more than 20 specialists.

Noah’s mum, Bree Hallam, said her son was born with hydrocephalous, a build-up of fluid on the brain, and was diagnosed with craniosynostosis as a baby. 

Craniofacial Australia’s Barbara Erichsdotter said craniosynostosis occurs when the sutures in the skull fuse too soon. 

“So these sutures have to be opened again so the brain can grow,” she said.

“And that happens at three months.”

Ms Hallam said she expects Noah will need to have another surgery in the future. 

Although the long trips to Adelaide can be challenging, this drive was a special one for the young basketball fan.

Ms Hallam said Noah would “be talking about this for weeks to come”.

“He lives and breathes basketball,” she said.

“He goes to bed with basketball cards in his top pocket or under his pillow.”

Starling said he hoped the training session had given Noah new confidence.

“I always told myself if I ever had a chance to become that hero, anytime I had to spend with children or that next generation, I would do more than anything to give them that time,” he said.

Noah said the highlight of the surprise session was hearing people on the sidelines cheer for him.

“When I scored they clapped, just like in a real game,” he said.

The meeting was organised by Craniofacial Australia, which launches its awareness month in July.

Craniofacial Australia aims to help families like Noah’s with the difficulties associated with the condition, through financial and other support.

The foundation plans to host an education session at Noah’s school, which will double as a fundraiser.

Ms Hallam said she was grateful for the foundation’s ongoing support.

“They have helped us immensely. It’s a tough gig and we’ve been doing it for nearly nine years,” she said.

Ms Hallam said Noah had missed a lot of school due to his frequent trips to Adelaide. 

“He does miss a bit of school, due to us coming to Adelaide quite a bit … and also sickness, because he has a low immunity,” he said. 

She said she hoped greater education would lead to greater inclusion. 

“All kids should include everyone … even if they are different,” Ms Hallam said.

“I always say to Noah, ‘Why fit in when you were born to stand out?’

“He makes me very proud, him and his brother.”

Noah said the experience was a complete surprise and he was excited to tell his friends when he returns to school.