So Thursday December 14, 2023 sort of seemed like any day to me. Except for something really different. I had slept in for work 2 days that week already, and had so done again on Thursday. I just put it down to long hours and huge work loads coming into Christmas. Essentially I thought I was burnt out. Got to work, sorted out the truck and paperwork, and off I went. I was a bit foggy, still thought I was just over done.
About mid afternoon, I was about 3/4 of the way through my run, and just didn’t feel right. Then all of a sudden, I wake up and I’m in the Mater Hospital, and trying to work out what all the fuss was about, and why my family was there, and why was it night! Where was my truck? What happened to work? How did I get here? Well, I had a seizure outside the truck and proceeded to somehow still climb into the driver’s sweat and take off, with the door open. I don’t remember that! After a few MRI’s next I’m on my way to The John Hunter.
On Friday I met this beautiful lady named Elise from MHF. I was a bit confused why she was there, but definitely appreciated that she was. Next thing I’m talking with a Neurosurgeon and being told he’s working some magic on my brain in a few days. Elise became a life line for me after hearing that.
She was in contact daily, and sorting my life for me. Thursday the 21st, early back to the JHH, ready for the unknown. All I remember is asking “Why are you shaving so much of my head?” I quickly discovered why the next day when I looked in the mirror! Still having no idea really what was going on, I was just glad it was over. So I thought! On Saturday Elise was there, and I couldn’t be happier to see her. I was discharged and went home. She was immediately on the phone after the 3 days for Christmas, and right there for me. Still seeming like it was over, I hadn’t really clicked. I hadn’t gotten pathology results yet.
We brought in the new year and of course she was my first point of call. That bloody phone call had arrived. What did this all mean? What should I do? All I knew was I needed MHF, and I needed them more than I could ever have imagined. I didn’t know what all this meant. What the heck is a GBM? After a lengthy call with Elise, I had a pretty good idea then. She was there every step of the way. Every Oncologist appointment, radiation appointment, explaining what a trial is, she was my life line.
As treatment started, I then learnt there were so many people involved in this I hadn’t even known exist. Quite quickly, I became extremely thankful for everyone I got the pleasure of meeting and dealing with. Then the lovely Sandy became a huge part of my life as well. After everything these beautiful ladies have done for me, the least I could do is give them a laugh when we spoke. Even in tough calls or meetings, I still managed to make every one smile! I made it my mission to leave there every time I was there with having someone smile and laugh. My MHF nurses, my oncology team, my radiation team, I owe them my everything. I’m sure they would have gotten tired of my non-stop chatting and antics.
A few months down the track, I then had the pleasure of meeting Alisha. Yet again, another beautiful soul that was always there for me.
So we are now 15 months on, and I’m smashing goals. I could not have done this without the help of everyone that has been there for myself and my family! These magnificent ladies have made this journey the best I could ask for in this situation.
After meeting Mark Hughes himself and being able to thank him personally for what his foundation has helped me achieve, I wanted to be able to give back somehow! Be able to help MHF help others faced with this journey also.
I learnt about the Hill to Harbour event and started thinking “Can I do that?” So after a lovely chat with Alisha, the decision was made, I’m in!
Now I’m committed, and I’m making this happen. I hope that this is the first of things I can achieve in helping the MHF family.
https://hilltoharbour25.grassrootz.com/mark-hughes-foundation/true-grit-gratitude
