Michael's story is nothing short of inspiring. At just 23 years of age, he was diagnosed with advanced stage three testicular and lymphoma cancers and given only six weeks to live, with a mere 10 per cent chance of survival. Defying the odds, Michael survived his cancer diagnosis. Since then, Michael has participated in 725 Relay For Life events. This year, he will join Relay For Life West Coast, pledging to continue his involvement until a cure for cancer is found.
Michael's 726th Relay For Life
"In November 1979, I found a lump in the left side of my neck and then a second hard lump one month later. I went to my doctor who immediately organised blood tests, body scans and x-rays. The results showed that I had advanced stage three testicular and lymphoma cancers.
"I was told I had six weeks left and only a 10 per cent chance of survival. At only 23 years old, I couldn't make sense of this. I told myself "I'm not going to die.'"
"I began cancer treatment immediately and was given chemotherapy every week for two years. In November 1981, I survived!
"My doctors and nurses said they had never seen anybody in my state fight so hard and to survive the severity of the chemotherapy. But I was a wreck, and my body was a shell. It took me another year to walk again and put weight on. I had to take two years off work.
"My young fiancé was devastated, and I was shattered when we were told I couldn't father children, nor could we adopt because my lifespan expectancy was only four years."
"Then I heard about Relay For Life Murrumbeena through Cancer Council Victoria, which was a 24-hour fundraising event for cancer research. The first event was in March 1999.
"I jumped at the chance to help raise money for cancer research. As an ultra-marathon runner, I ran the whole 24 hours at Murrumbeena. There were about 500 participants at the Relay event. We all had the same passion - to rid cancer from happening.
"After this first event, the Relays began in each state and town throughout Australia. I took part in most of these, including 30 relay events in 2002. Some weekends I would do several Relays. The most I've ever done in one weekend is five from Friday evening, through to Sunday.
"This year, Relay For Life West Coast will be my 726 Relay since March 1999.
"I've always fundraised through my friends, family and my own personal donations at each Relay that I have attended. This is my way of saying 'thank you' for putting the Relay on for the community.
"I'm so grateful to be alive and to be able to continue working towards a cancer free future. Relay is my life. Relay keeps me going. I know we will find a cure. We will continue to research until we do."
Relay For Life West Coast is coming to HBF Arena Joondalup on October 12-13.
