In 2009 I made the big decision to start my own company. I engaged Altitude at the beginning of my journey to help set up the company correctly and they have been helping me ever since. Everything was running smoothly, until 2016 when I was suddenly diagnosed with blood cancer (Multiple Myeloma). In hindsight, working with Altitude was the best decision I could have made as my Adviser had ensured that my Income Protection Policy was up to date and my financial plan provided me with some options and the peace of mind to deal with the challenges that lay ahead.
What is it?
Multiple Myeloma is an incurable cancer of the plasma cells produced in the bone marrow. Fortunately, my diagnosis came early as I was having an annual blood test, but many others I know with this cancer were not so lucky and only learned they have it after breaking a bone. If left unchecked, what may start off feeling like a sore hip, rib or back can begin to eat away at bones, damage kidney function and destroy your immune system.
After six months of aggressive chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant, I was left pretty weak and it took me a further six months before I was able to launch back into work. At present, I am doing well and am back at work full time (although, I still enjoy the occasional nap when I can!).
The Leukaemia Foundation provided great support to me during my treatment and beyond so, while I am now well, I want to give back to them in some way. When I saw this fundraising challenge advertised in the Leukaemia newsletter, I knew it was for me. Five days trekking along the Great Wall of China is the end goal after raising money for a worthy cause. In doing this, I hope to give inspiration to anyone else who has been diagnosed with Myeloma (or any other cancer or disease) – there is life after your diagnosis.
This Trek to Beat Blood Cancer is in June and I have been hitting the gym, pool and hills trying to prepare. My knees aren’t what they used to be and my body still aches from the daily medication, so this isn’t going to be an easy feat but the challenge has given me these goals to aim for:
- Raise $5,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation by June 2019, and
- Survive five days of trekking along the Great Wall of China (self-funded of course)
I would love your help
If you would like to help me reach my first goal please follow this link, it’s easy, quick and secure – you just need a credit card. A donation of any amount will be appreciated and will help the Leukaemia Foundation to keep their services going.
Did you know
- 50% of all Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they are 85.
- Around 145,000 Australian will be diagnosed with cancer each year
- Around 1% of these are Myeloma cases
- 33% of all cancers are less common or rare types
- The Leukaemia Foundation receive no government funding
