Cancer Council Australia figures indicate 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in Australia will be diagnosed with some form of cancer before the age of 85.
The Mater Cars for Cancer Lottery helps to fund research that has the ability to change the lives of Australians affected by cancer. Support the Mater’s search for safer, more effective cancer treatments by supporting Mater Cars for Cancer Lottery.
Nicholas Bridgeman
Twenty-four year old Nicholas Bridgeman first visited Mater complaining of abdominal pain. That same day, he was admitted to the Mater Adult Hospital Oncology Unit for a biopsy and shortly after began intensive chemotherapy for leukaemia.
“I had a Porta-Cath and canular, regular blood tests and blood transfusions. It was not just the disease that took its toll on me; it was the treatment that wore me down,” Nicholas said.
At Mater Medical Research Institute Dr Jean Pierre Levesque and his team of researchers are conducting medical research into blood cell cancers like leukaemia.
“Our aim is to develop new treatments and reduce the long-term complications which can arise following chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation,” Dr Levesque said.
Almost a year since his shock diagnosis, Nicholas, now 25, is home and three months into a two-year course of oral chemotherapy.
Daniel Cocker
At only 22 years of age, Daniel Cocker heard the words that sent shivers down his back…“you have testicular cancer”.
“It came as a complete shock. Having very little knowledge of cancer I thought it would not affect me until later in life. Everything happened so fast—from first discovery to undergoing surgery within a week, to the start of chemotherapy within two weeks,” Daniel said.
Daniel was treated at Mater Adult Hospital where he had an operation to remove two tumours. This was followed by intensive chemotherapy over nine weeks where he was connected to a drip for almost eight hours a day.
During Daniel’s treatment his symptoms were so intense that he was unable to work and, at times, unable to leave the house as he needed supervision and care.
The young man has shown strength and determination despite going through one of the most difficult times of his life.
“I had incredible support from my family, friends and staff at Mater who helped me get through it,” Daniel said.
“Mater staff displayed not only expertise, compassion and care to my family and I but they did so with encouragement and warmth.”
Daniel has now finished his chemotherapy but will require regular checkups over the next five years.
“Cancer can affect anybody; it does not consider age, race, gender or religion. It is through lotteries like cars for cancer that funding is raised to learn more about this ever prevalent illness,” Daniel said.
Antony’s Brave Battle
Antony Inwood is a happy, funny 69 year old who looks on the upside of life. His positive attitude was tested on his 67th birthday when he was given the shocking diagnosis of colo-rectal cancer.
“I was really lucky to be alive as I had subtle symptoms two years earlier but didn’t worry about seeing the doctor. Lucky for me they could still do something about it. I started treatment straight away at Mater Adult Hospital for chemotherapy and radiation for the next six months,” Antony said.
Antony would sit in the hospital for several hours a day receiving treatment and then would have his chemotherapy continue slowly at home through a portable intravenous line in his arm the rest of the week.
After the treatment, Antony had an operation to remove the tumour in his bowel and the lymph nodes mid last year. He now comes back to Mater for checkups every three months.
“I’m so grateful to Dr Cath Shannon and her team of Mater nurses as well as the patient transport system and volunteers for their exceptional care and treatment.
"They make you feel at home and not like you’re in a hospital which makes a big difference when you’re coming in for treatment everyday. I encourage everyone to support cancer care and research at Mater by purchasing a Mater Cars for Cancer Lottery ticket,” Antony said.
Robert’s spirited journey
72 year old Robert has a lot to live for with a wife, three children and three grandchildren. His family gives the him strength to fight his diagnosis of colon cancer which he’s had for almost five years.
Robert had two surgeries to remove his intestines at Mater Adult Hospital as well as 59 chemotherapy treatments where he’d sit in a chair for up to two hours each visit. Robert experiences various side effects including hair loss, nausea, fatigue and numbness.
He is quite positive and says most of the time he feels good in between treatments and can live a normal life.
"The Mater staff are the greatest bunch of people I’ve ever met and look after me like a long lost friend. I always feel informed and I'm in great hands with the nurses and doctors. I’ll keep fighting the cancer and I encourage the community to join the fight for myself and others by purchasing a Cars for Cancer Lottery ticket,” Robert said.