Matt was diagnosed in August 2013 with a tumour in his left sinus. The tumour had grown into Matt’s brain cavity and he spent the next two months in the Austin Hospital undergoing five surgeries.
Matt says it was the Wellness Centre at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre that provided a place of respite for his carers with its wonderfully inviting, warm and peaceful facilities.
“It provided my wife Diana with a space to sleep, it was an escape for her to eat, cry, meet friends and be supported,” says Matt. “My Mum loved having a cuppa in the fantastic kitchen and lounge. My then 14 year-old daughter Chloe would escape to the Wellness Centre…as I was no longer the Dad she knew.”
“The support offered by the Wellness Centre staff and volunteers is nearly beyond words.”
It is nearly three years since Matt’s first surgery and he is still on his recovery journey. He attends the Wellness Centre regularly to relax, sleep, attend workshops and support groups.
“I’ve joined the Brain Cancer Support Group which is so nurturing, helpful, informative, validating as well as being a social event that is so easy because it takes so much less energy to be with people who “get it” (my experience) and are walking a similar journey,” says Matt.
“I’m really excited and hope to be well enough this year to join in the Wellness Walk to say thank-you and hopefully raise some money.”
If you'd like to register for the Wellness Walk & Research Run 2016
click here for more information.
By supporting the Wellness Walk & Research Run, you are directly contributing to Wellness & Supportive Care programs at the ONJ Centre. Programs that have helped people like Matt.