Who have we helped?

Shea

At 13, Shea was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. He had to leave school and his friends and his family had to move from Tasmania to Melbourne for Shea’s intensive treatment. The family moved into the Fight Cancer accommodation centre, BMDI House, whilst Shea commenced his 13-month program of chemotherapy.

Ever since he was a young child, Shea had dreamt of working with his hands and creating something of value, something he could be proud of, but he feared that his cancer was going to prevent his dream from becoming a reality.

Being away from his hometown, his school and his mates was hard for Shea, until he entered the Back on Track program. The program kept him up to date with the same year 7 academic work as his classmates, so when he returned home, he was able to start year 8 with his friends.

“The Fight Cancer Foundation helped turn my dream into reality and at 18 years of age, I am an apprentice cabinet maker. I take great pride in standing back and looking at what I have been able to achieve.” Shea.

Rabia

Rabia was 15 years of age when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2004, just as she was about to start her VCE years. She had many education dreams and career aspirations, which she began to doubt she would ever achieve when she heard her diagnosis.

Whilst in hospital, Rabia was introduced to the Fight Cancer Back on Track program. This helped her achieve her goals by keeping her in touch with her school, teachers and fellow classmates while experiencing the challenges of battling with cancer. She had two years of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, resulting in more than two years away from school.

“The Back on Track program has helped me reach my education goals of going to the University of Melbourne and studying Commerce. I have now completed my studies and am looking forward to commencing my career as a graduate with one of the major Australian banks.” Rabia.

Michon

Michon was a happy 17-year-old when she was diagnosed with leukaemia, which resulted in her having a bone marrow transplant in 2006. She was worried that her grades would suffer as a result of her needing to be away from school for a very long period of time.

The Fight Cancer Back on Track co-ordinator reconnected Michon to her school and her friends, making sure she was able to keep up to date with her studies using a laptop and the internet.

Michon was a very accomplished painter and her Back on Track tutor encouraged her to continue her art and one of her paintings sold at a Fight Cancer fundraiser for $10,000.

“I am very grateful to the Fight Cancer Foundation, for without the Back on Track program I would not have been able to complete my VCE. I am now at Uni and studying nursing. I am looking forward to being able to give something back.” Michon.