"My doctor said without operating on cancer, I'd be dead before Christmas 2020"
Ryan, cancer patient
Late in 2019, Ryan and his partner, Carlie, were thrilled to welcome their second child, a baby daughter named Skye. But that joy rapidly turned to pain as Ryan was diagnosed with stage four melanoma.
He remembers, “I had a bit of a lump on my left groin, so I went to the doctor.” By the time Ryan’s biopsy confirmed his diagnosis, his tumour had grown.
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Without support like yours, the future of many people with cancer will be uncertain.
Ryan's cancer was the size of a fist. “I also had three other smaller lumps,” he said. “Both my first oncologist and the surgeon said it was borderline inoperable.”
The prognosis left Ryan worried that he wouldn’t have much time left with his family and three-month-old Skye.
“I wouldn't see my kids grow up or even to see them ride their first bikes. I was trying to stay upbeat for my family, but it was just such a massive void and an unknown, scary thing.”
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Ryan had been a volunteer firefighter, as well as his regular employment, but he didn’t have sick leave and was worried about how he would pay for treatment.
“The financial stress was worse than the stress about dying. I just thought, I can’t afford to die right now.”
Not only did his workplace all chip in to offer him some financial relief, Ryan was relieved to learn that he’d also receive financial help from Cancer Council.
Donate now, so more people facing cancer can have a life free from fear.
Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in Australia, with just over 16,000 people were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2021.
Unlike other cancers of the skin, melanoma can spread throughout the body if it’s not treated early.
Termed ‘metastatic melanoma,’ this advanced form of the disease kills one Australian every five hours.
Once melanoma has spread, the most effective treatment is immunotherapy. However, more than 40% of metastatic melanoma patients are not cured with these therapies.
With your support, researchers can identify which patients will benefit from immunotherapy so that they can receive alternative treatments.
Cancer Council FAQS
Where does my donation go?
Your generous donation will help fund Cancer Council's life-saving research, prevention and advocacy programs, and information and support services.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Cancer Council NSW is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charity: Charitable Fundraising Authority No. 18521. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
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How else can I contribute?
There are many ways you can get involved and help change the lives of people affected by cancer. Some examples are:
