I first became involved with Lung Foundation Australia during my darling wife’s long battle with lung cancer. I have continued my relationship, both as a committee member and advocate, in memory of her brave struggle for over five years … and to pass on my lived experience.
Dale and I were living the “grey nomad” retiree dream, covering most of Australia by caravan with our bikes on board. We would park the caravan and get the bikes out to explore the town. Dale was much fitter than me and she would fly past me on the hills.
On this particular trip, Dale noticed a small lump under her armpit. When we returned to Victoria, our long-term family GP confirmed that it was Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. I just went blank … and then bawled in the car on the drive home.
Dale went through such a journey. Brain surgeries and an operation to replace part of her spine. So many tests, scans, treatments, chemo … but she never whinged despite all the hardships and the pain. As much as we could, we tried to still live life as normally as possible, hopping into our caravan to continue our adventures where her treatment allowed.
As soon as Dale was diagnosed, I vowed to do all I could to make a difference in the fight against lung cancer. I want to see an end to the stigma that surrounds lung cancer; and to help give people hope and understanding that a diagnosis of lung cancer is not a death sentence.
I want to change people’s perceptions of what a diagnosis means. It still irks me that the first question many people, even health professionals, asked upon hearing of Dale’s diagnosis was “did she smoke?”
Anyone can get lung cancer, not just smokers. If you have lungs and can breathe, you’re at risk.
I’m taking part in Shine A Light to raise awareness and funds for research that leads to continued improved treatments and a better future.
Invariably, doing the walk I get to talk to people and to share the word about the support and valuable information available through Lung Foundation Australia.