20 years on......Through the Years
In 2003 my husband Don was diagnosed with Cancer. This is a extract from words he wrote way back then:-
Hi, I am a Truckie who has worked many, many long hours, I worked hard and I played hard, so you can imagine how this Tuff Truckie felt when he was told he is not invincible, and that he had a bit of a fight on his hands. My wife Marian and I married in 1970 and had had our share of tragedy and heartache within our family, but instead of letting it destroy us we became stronger and closer to the point we are now "Bullet Proof". But just when we thought the future was looking better, that we'd come a long way and learnt a lot about life, I was diagnosed with Terminal Merkel Cell Cancer, an aggresive skin cancer. It matters not what type, all cancer is BAD. I was told "My Boat Had Sailed" and to get our affairs in order.
I can tell you it was very frightening!! I thought to myself this is not going to get me, no way! We researched the internet and collected as much information as we could. We decided to find out what we could do to help ourselves deal with it.
I am 54 and Marian is 53 and a new journey has just begun. There is so much to be learnt especially from other people experiencing similar journeys, or who have the knowledge of what this diagnosis can mean. To become involved with an organisation such as Cancer Council Australia with all its support and information has been a Blessing. A new world has opened up and we are now looking at things with a much more positive and open mind.
It isn't the end of my life, we consider this to be another part of another journey, we have a long way to go and we need the support of the Cancer Council. So I am asking you to make a tax deductible donation to help them to help us, to maybe help you or a loved one. Every dollar you give counts, and will help people with Cancer, to improve their quality of life, for research, and to further educate the community on prevention.
Dig deep, one in every 4 Australians will at some time be diagnosed with Cancer. Thankyou for your support.
Bless you, Don Byfield
So that was a short narrative from Don back then. We held our first "Biggest Morning Tea" at The Swan Yach Club in 2005, it was a huge success and has been ongoing every year. The total raised up until last year $100,000.. People are amazing.
Don did get through his initial Cancer and his amazing charisma and courage helped many other people along the way, Unfortunately his own journey didn't end there and for many years he has endured four different cancers, numerous surgeries, years of treatment, loss of dignity, disfigurement and loss of his amazing voice. He has courage in bucketloads.
in 2018 I started my own Cancer Journey with Endometrial Cancer. Surgery, months of chemo and radiation, and long stays in hospital. The Carer became the Patient and vice versa. We were both having treatment in different hospitals, and we became known as the bandana twins. Thankfully I am ok now, and we have both had the good fortune to have used the many services offered by the Cancer Council, benefited by the research into new treatments and programmes, and for me personally the helpline, my "Angels in the most difficult times."
We are holding our "20th" Biggest Morning Tea this year on the 22nd May at The Swan Yacht Club. We have a great team built over many years, have great supporters, and all look forward to raising a cup to raise money for our future generations. Join us for a fun morning with guest speakers, raffles, auction (loads of amazing prizes) love and laughter whilst raising that cup. And even though Don may not make it due to his health, he would be saying please dig deep, make a donation, no matter how small. Help us support the Cancer Council to support Cancer Patients and their Families you never know when you may be the one needing the help.......If you haven't already. Cancer does not discriminate. In Australia one person is diagnosed with Cancer every 5 minutes.
Young Old rich or poor. Thankyou, as always, Marian Byfield x
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