Will you help me Be Brave for patients with cancer?
I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to Be Brave for Lifehouse.
A year ago, today,
I had a life changing event. I was in a wine tasting class, sparkling I think,
as part of my WSET Diploma in Wine, when my doctor rang me to urgently come in.
I was diagnosed with Stage Four Cancer of the tongue. The initial prognosis was
not good, as well as the base of the tongue, the cancer had metastasised to my
lymph system. Not the news anyone ever wants to hear but it did get better from
there – I was lucky – it was treatable, and the Drs gave me an 80% chance of
survival.
After a couple of
harrowing months of aggressive cancer treatment (radiation and chemotherapy), the
recovery stage began and continues. The old adage that the cure is worse than
the disease was very true in my part as I was asymptomatic and unaware of the
cancer. The treatment really knocked me around and I lost 30 kg in the process
and a few months of my life, only to emerge immune compromised into this new
Covid world!.
Life as I knew it has changed, but I am one of the lucky ones – I am here today 12 months on from diagnosis. Suffice to say wine tasting will never be the same and I miss that juicy rare steak.
I received
massive support from friends and family, a debt which I can never repay.
I also received
world-class compassionate treatment care and attention at the Chris O’Brien
Lifehouse in Sydney. The staff were great, and all deserve a mention, but not
here, there are just too many. I will put a shout out to Professor Chris
Milross and Professor Michael Boyer who headed up the teams looking after me
and without whom I would not be here today. I really appreciate the dedication of
people like Chris and Michael who have spent a lifetime learning how to make
very sick people’s lives better.
It’s now my turn to give back, or at least ask you to give something on my behalf. The Life House is running a fundraising campaign “Be Brave for Lifehouse” which is either a parachute jump or head shave. I’ve never been one to do things by halves and why jump out of a plane with a head of hair when you could do it without? So, I’m doing both. As I didn’t lose (much) hair through the chemotherapy it seems fitting that I should lose it now, as far as jumping out of a plane I’ve done that once before and haven’t bothered doing it since so that must say something!
My target is
$2000, we need to reach at least $850 to see the fear on my face, I promise to
post. There may even by video.
Don’t donate for me, I’ve had my treatment and come through the other side, donate for all those to come, chances are that it will be somebody that you love who will have to make the same journey I have, hopefully with the same outcome. For those of my friends who don’t live in Australia donate anyway, this community of doctors and researchers share their discoveries without restriction, so whatever they learn here is likely to benefit you there.
Skip that morning coffee for a week and we are there!
The highest contributor can have the honours (or appoint a proxy) with the clippers!
Andrew
Thank you for your support.
My Updates
Almost there!
Thursday 17th Dec
A years and a day
Friday 30th Oct30th October 2020
A year ago, today, I woke, after a busy evening of specialist consultations, to new hope that the cancer wouldn’t be the end of me. In the space of six hours I had gone from could I get five more years and see Maiya almost out of school, how would she cope with the HSC/IB and Heath into his teens, to this is something to beat and move on from. In simple terms I had done my due diligence and placed myself in the expert’s hands at the Lifehouse
Today, a year on, I woke to find the massive level of support from around the world that has taken me by surprise and left me very humbled.
Starting with the sun, I have had promises from New Zealand (but no money yet), donations from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, UAE (thanks Stephen for nominating Heath, 9, as your proxy to shave my head, I can feel the nicks when I think about it!), Israel, South Africa, Italy, Switzerland, France, the UK, Ireland finishing up in the US – over 40 donations from 15 Countries by my count.
I have tried to respond to everyone who has donated or promised but ran out of time last night, if I have missed you, I promise I’ll get there over the weekend.
For anyone else reading this at the start of a similar journey the best advice I can give is to have patience, it has dawned on me that this has been a year and I am only now beginning to feel normal again, with a way to go! So don’t expect miracles and don’t be too hard on yourself.
ShareThank you to my Supporters
$1,000
Urban Nurseries Pty Ltd
$1,000
Anonymous
$575
Stephen Albrecht
Andrew.... you have been though hell and come out well.... will all respect that.....good on you. ps..... would appoint Heath as my proxy to do the necessary
$515
Andrew Cameron
Just found out that the Hospital has to pay something towards the skydiving - so I think it is only fair that I cover that - so here is my contribution.
$515
Hamish Flett
Andrew inspirational stuff - delighted to contribute
$500
Sil Malki
Congratulations Andrew!
$261
Andrew Kent
Great initiative, all the best. Can’t wait to see the footage!
$208.80
James, Anita, Madi And Brendan
Such an inspiration. Wishing you many more crazy adventures, and an abundance of health and happiness!
$208.80
Trina And Stephen Butler
You are an inspiration Andrew; you were super positive and faced every turn head on. So very happy to have you to (distance) hug! So much love XXX
$208.80
Ricky Wang
$208.80
Ingrun & Markus
Hi Andrew, sorry to hear what you went through but glad you are doing better. Big hug from all of us, Ingrun, Markus and kids
$208.80
Penny And David
Thank you for helping us soar out of this horrible year. You deserved all that support!
$200
Damian Davine
Andrew, you are a great business man, a demanding leader, politically incorrect to the max, futurist, a prick at times and an extraordinarily generous man and I have sincerely enjoyed my association and friendship with you for quite a few years now. Well done on your battle and better still for raising awareness and funds for others in a similar position. Cheers mate.
$200
Han & Eric
Fantastic News! Thanks for sharing a happy news and good cause.
$187.92
Anonymous
18 is the Hebrew number for life, and a good luck charm for multiples of 18. Such wonderful news. Good luck with the free fall!
$110.66
Clayton West
Keep winning
$104.40
Shannon Hurvitz
$104.40
Raj & Nikki Ray
We had no idea what an ordeal you, Vanessa and the kids have been through. Just wishing you all the very best for the future and applauding your great work raising such important funds.
$104.40
Stephen Fung
You're awesome! Can't wait for the video!
$104.40
Tess
❤️❤️❤️❤️
$104.40
Shay Brown
What a rough year you endured! So glad to have you back and smiling on the other side. I can’t wait to see this!! Good Luck! xx
$104.40
Vanessa Green
Here's to many more sunny days and smiles:) You have been so brave. What's jumping out of a plane? lol xx Love always, Vanessa. xxx
$104.40
Fred Coulson
Geronimo!
$104.40
Alex Raper
Wish we'd been able to support in person! Your dedication during recovery is inspiring and I look forward to seeing the pictures from the skydive
$104.40
Royce & Faye Green
Congratuations on persevering with your extensive treatment. We look forward to happy post-COVID times together.
$104.40
Paul Othen
Andrew, you’re a fighter so it doesn’t surprise me at all that you’re doing well. I won’t lie, I want to see the look of fear so happy to contribute to the worthy cause AND see you jump out of a plane! All the best, Paul
$104.40
Helen Child
$104.40
Paul Kidman
from Paul, Sandy & Katy in Hong Kong
$104.40
Vanne Wilkinson
Well done!
$104.40
Rachel Isert
Awesome Andrew. Great news you are fighting fit and looking forward to seeing your new 💇♂️ haircut !
$104.40
Cheryl Raper
Fantastic achievement. Hope we can soon celebrate in person. Enjoy the experience and I look forward to seeing the photos.
$104.40
John Jell
Great news for the all clear, good luck for the jump!
$104.40
Caz King
A, so much ‘GRIT’ & determination this past year to beat the dreaded ‘C’. Such an awesome result! I always knew you could fly! Enjoy the jump. Hugs C x
$104.40
Gal Vered
Thanks for sharing and all the best!
$104.40
Kirsty Schachter
Love you!
$104.40
Gino Uguccioni
What an amazing story. I don’t know if I could ever have matched your courage and stamina. You’re very fortunate to have such wonderfully supportive family and friends around you. Don’t think I’d be brave enough either to jump out of a plane!
$104.40
Vic Cavin
Great to hear you're through the treatment and as ever willing to give yourself to others. An inspirational way of life.
$104.40
Merri Gill
$104.40
Allan Meares
I go to Gym with Penny and David. Good luck.
$104.40
Duncan And Christine
What a great thing to do - and so like you Andrew.
$104.40
The Rileys
Followed your journey through all the pain of your parents - we are overjoyed for them and for you
$104.40
Smiths
Well done Andrew for pushing through the treatment. What an amazing test of resilience for you, Vanessa and the family! Good luck with the SkyDive + Shave, love from the NZ, Mackay & Sydney Smiths!
$104.40
Alan Connolly
Fair play to you Andrew. Great to see you’ve kicked the cancer and come out the other side of a tough year.
$104.40
Hugh Allan
$104.40
Anonymous
We are so pleased to hear the happy ending to your story Andrew. We think that jumping out of a plane and having your head shaved will be a doodle for you after the last year. Such a deserving cause to donate to.
$104.40
Jason Petrovski
Andrew Great to hear you've recovered well and you're now taking on you're next challenge!
$100
Kevin Oconnor
$100
Christian Price
Cannot wait to see it . Good luck xxx
$78.30
Mcfadden Property
$78.30
Carol Howard
Well done Andrew for all you are doing to give to those in need, and for them to be able to go through this journey as you have done - and to come out at the end just like you. My thoughts are with you as you know. With love, xx
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Petrina Angus
Very brave man! Good luck and stay well.
$52.20
Wolfgang Klein
....inspirational as always! The silver lining.
$52.20
Ramona Lam
Andrew, one of the most respectful man I've known so far and not surprised to see you win this battle with a fighter spirit! You look even more handsome than before! :-)
$52.20
Gav
Andrew, you always have been and always will be such an inspiration to many. So glad you have prevailed in the face of such adversity. May you continue to heal and gain strength by doing so much to help others.
$52.20
Johann Bach
So good to see you back in action!
$52.20
Jacquetta Hayes
I am so sorry to hear what you have been through, Jelly. But this is amazing and the best way to celebrate life and living in the moment! So pleased you are surrounded by family and love - Hugs from Switzerland
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Athena Chintis
Andrew, it's great to see you back at work and doing well. All the best for the head shave and the jump! It's a brave action! Athena
$52.20
Suzanne
Andrew, so happy to donate as I’ve too many friends to C. And so very happy you have come out well. Sending heaps of love and a donation to a very deserving cause.
$52.20
Yasmin Howes
My word you are brave! What a wonderful challenge. Stay well :)
$52.20
Paula Cox
What a fantastic effort. Well done Andrew - you’re so inspiring!! Can’t wait to see the bald head! Paula
$52.20
Stephen Cox
Good Man Andrew! Looking forward to seeing you complete the Skydive! All the best. Stephen
$52.20
Shu Heng
What a year! Best news to hear about the all clear and even better to have you back in the office. Good luck boss! :)
$52.20
Alistair Macleod
$52.20
Barbara Mcintosh
$52.20
Tom Banks
Not sure how I missed the lead up to this fella, but not too late. I wish you well in your double endeavour, but looks like you’ve smashed the hardest task. Hope to catch up at a future reunion. Awra Best, Awra Time.
$52.20
Phil Mortimer
If history serves me right, you never had a problem falling. Landing not so much. Happy to help pushing you out of a plane! Just relieved that you don't need the support anymore. Should I start sending the lollipops?
$52.20
Dave Howells
Seems you have been through hell and I knew nothing about it. Helena and I are so pleased that you have come out of it so well and this donation is for all the times we had together. Well done mate
$52.20
Krystyna
Good luck from gym friends of your parents
$52.20
Gopalakrishnan Shanmugam
Hi Andrew I admired you in many ways in seeing you running the business and various circumstances. My sincere prayers to my God to keep you in good health and we all good to see you in action. Here's is a little Donation from me. Take care.. Thank you.
$52.20
Eilish Walsh
Best of Luck with the jump & cut- very brave! Wishing you all the very best!
$41.76
Stephen Johnson
You won’t remember me - but we met 20 years ago at Fox Studios - I’m a friend of Stephen Cox. You bought me beers. Thanks for your story - and great fundraising effort. Well done.
$31.32
Lisa Hauser
$30
Elise Anastasi
Dear Andrew, I was shocked to read your news and so incredibly happy to hear you have emerged out the other side. Sounds like a tough journey you’ve been on and fortunate to have had some good people around you. Take care and hopefully we can catch up at some point. Elise x
$26.10
Jenny Clarke
Hi Andrew, I hope this donation helps you reach your goal. Best wishes Many thanks
$26.10
Lachlan Cameron
Would shave my head with you but it might not come back. Love you x
$26.10
Gill Bredbury
Good luck xx
$26.10
Ali Jensen-mackinnon
Wishing you strength in your ongoing recovery and good luck with your jump! All the best Ali
$26.10
Rob Temple
Great to see you back on your feet, and thank you for giving back.
$26.10
Owen Mcinnes
Well done Mate. A True Champion Keep well.
$26.10
Fiona Siu
Hahaha Yes, I'd like to see you skydive with your strongly recovered & slim body.
$26.10
Brendan Cox
Well done Andrew. I hadn't heard of your illness and treatment. Glad you are out the other side. We cannot control what happens to us in life but we can control how we react to it and you seem to be taking to the challenge head on. Best of luck.
$26.10
Sarah Wanden
Always happy to donate to a good cause. Also particularly happy that we get to see your smiling face on this planet for many more years to come. Regards, Sarah 😊
$26.10
Roz Freebairn
best wishes Andrew
$26.10
Lauren Brown
Glad to hear you’ve come out the other side of treatment with a more positive prognosis. You’re an inspiring man Andrew. Best of luck
$26.10
Kirsten Richards
Best of luck Andrew, as you know I recently lost my darling husband to cancer but I’m so amazed by your brilliant story and your positivity- glad you kicked cancer’s ass xx 😘
$26.10
Shirley Crampton
Glad to hear you are recovering....What a year! Good luck with your sky dive xx
$26.10
Mary Veronica Mcguirk
$26.10
Andra Wilkin
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Tiffany Donnelly
$26.10
Sam Kynaston
$25
Rachel Pirie
What a frightening ride you’ve been on. A skydive is nothing - in fact, a walk on easy street in comparison ! Enjoy the thrill of the jump & I am so happy to hear you are doing well.
$25
Daniel Barca
Hi Andrew, We were shocked and saddened when I heard the news, but reading the story of your recovery made us very happy today. Really hope you, Vanessa and Lachy are doing well! Love Dan & Mia
$25
Jason And Ruth O'connell
Well done on beating your target Andrew!!!
$25
Cheryl Mccoy
Great cause, good luck Andrew you can do it 😉
$25
Mike Macdonell
Well done, Andrew!
$20.88
