Cotters cause
Donation protected
Dale and Rachael were those high school sweethearts, that married young and started a family long before me. I remember attending their wedding, visits to hospital to welcome the birth of two beautiful children, Lakita and Drazic, countless dinners and catch ups over the past almost 25 years.
Dale and Rachael were dedicated to family life, with Dale opting not to work away from home in the lucrative cashed up mining industry jobs, preferring to work locally where he could be home every night.
In 2006, at the age of 26, Dale was initially diagnosed with a grade 2 brain tumour, following removal of this, the prognosis was positive and life soon returned to normal.
Until 2015 when the disease returned with devastating life changing results. Dale was diagnosed with grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and given 18 months to 2 years to live. The fight against the most aggressive cancer was about to begin, treatment commenced with a secondary surgery, however Neurosurgeons were unable to remove all reminiscent of the GMB. Radiation and chemotherapy commenced in Townsville soon after, followed by a further 6 week chemo in Mackay.
Dale responded well to treatment and was stable until last year, where it was discovered there was an issue with his heart and a pacemaker had to be inserted and chemo treatment commenced again for another 3 months, however proved unsuccessful.
The only further treatment option provided by Dale's Oncologist was Avastin, a highly expensive treatment not covered by PBS. Fortunately a submission for funding of the treatment was successful through the Mackay Base Hospital. Dale has been receiving this treatment until recently where scans have shown mass brain swelling, accompanied by seizures and effecting movement on the left side of his body. Efforts are now impacting on Dale's ability to work and financially contribute to his family.
4 years on from his secondary terminal diagnosis Dale continued to fight everyday with a smile on his face. A proud father and supporter of his family, continuing to actively be involved in all facets of life. Dale is a keen lover of football through the years as Drazic has grown up playing and also keen supporter of his nephew, Reuben Cotter, who made his debut with the North Queensland Cowboys this year.
In life you might be lucky enough to come across people that so deeply impact you. Their strength over the last 4 years is so inspiring and I am truly overwhelmed by their courage. In honour of this amazing duet I'm planning to kick start fundraising by running at least 100 klms in the next month.
I kicked off on July 28th with the Mackay CQ Resource Beach to Gardens half marathon (21.5 klms). Further events planned are August 4th, Mackay Mountain Marathon (distance 38klms) this is my first trail run and the second longest distance I have ever attempted. The Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis (5klms) on August 18th, and my last run will be a full marathon (42klms) at the Blackmore Cure Brain Cancer Running Festival on September 15th in Sydney.
I will continue to update everyone on my progress through planned events and training via Instagram and Facebook*. Once I have completed this challenge I will look for other crazy adventures accompanied by some awesome buddies to continue to support my beautiful friends through their battles. Please help make a difference and donate. Thank for your help and support.
*My account details are:
-Instagram: @Cotters_Cause
-Facebook Page: @Cotter Cause
Dale and Rachael were dedicated to family life, with Dale opting not to work away from home in the lucrative cashed up mining industry jobs, preferring to work locally where he could be home every night.
In 2006, at the age of 26, Dale was initially diagnosed with a grade 2 brain tumour, following removal of this, the prognosis was positive and life soon returned to normal.
Until 2015 when the disease returned with devastating life changing results. Dale was diagnosed with grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and given 18 months to 2 years to live. The fight against the most aggressive cancer was about to begin, treatment commenced with a secondary surgery, however Neurosurgeons were unable to remove all reminiscent of the GMB. Radiation and chemotherapy commenced in Townsville soon after, followed by a further 6 week chemo in Mackay.
Dale responded well to treatment and was stable until last year, where it was discovered there was an issue with his heart and a pacemaker had to be inserted and chemo treatment commenced again for another 3 months, however proved unsuccessful.
The only further treatment option provided by Dale's Oncologist was Avastin, a highly expensive treatment not covered by PBS. Fortunately a submission for funding of the treatment was successful through the Mackay Base Hospital. Dale has been receiving this treatment until recently where scans have shown mass brain swelling, accompanied by seizures and effecting movement on the left side of his body. Efforts are now impacting on Dale's ability to work and financially contribute to his family.
4 years on from his secondary terminal diagnosis Dale continued to fight everyday with a smile on his face. A proud father and supporter of his family, continuing to actively be involved in all facets of life. Dale is a keen lover of football through the years as Drazic has grown up playing and also keen supporter of his nephew, Reuben Cotter, who made his debut with the North Queensland Cowboys this year.
In life you might be lucky enough to come across people that so deeply impact you. Their strength over the last 4 years is so inspiring and I am truly overwhelmed by their courage. In honour of this amazing duet I'm planning to kick start fundraising by running at least 100 klms in the next month.
I kicked off on July 28th with the Mackay CQ Resource Beach to Gardens half marathon (21.5 klms). Further events planned are August 4th, Mackay Mountain Marathon (distance 38klms) this is my first trail run and the second longest distance I have ever attempted. The Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis (5klms) on August 18th, and my last run will be a full marathon (42klms) at the Blackmore Cure Brain Cancer Running Festival on September 15th in Sydney.
I will continue to update everyone on my progress through planned events and training via Instagram and Facebook*. Once I have completed this challenge I will look for other crazy adventures accompanied by some awesome buddies to continue to support my beautiful friends through their battles. Please help make a difference and donate. Thank for your help and support.
*My account details are:
-Instagram: @Cotters_Cause
-Facebook Page: @Cotter Cause
Organizer
Melissa Zarb
Organizer
Devereux Creek, QLD