My dad Wayne, a Pakana Elder, is a devoted dad and grandfather, loving husband, and valued mate to many. A kind, friendly and generous human being. He is 67 years young!

He’s had his ‘unfair’ share of critical health incidents and challenges. At age 52, he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that had infiltrated his bowel. Treatment and surgery saw him prematurely retired from work as an interstate heavy haulage truck driver. After a few years he was able to resume in a part-time capacity, doing local driving. However in 2021 a series of migraines had specialists investigate and a large aneurysm was found. Immediate surgery to clip the aneurysm was performed however Wayne suffered a huge haemorrhage in recovery and was rushed back in to life saving surgery. He suffered significant brain damage. For a long time he didn’t know who he was, his family or his life before. It would take 6 months of intensive brain rehab to get back to about 90% function and memory.

During all this, as an additional sucker punch, they found he had CML chronic myeloid leukemia. And additional treatment to save his life has been ongoing since.

Due to the brain injury, Wayne’s truck license was cancelled and his ability to work along with it. Cancer treatment has fast tracked arthritis throughout his body and he battles underlying chronic pain daily.

We moved mum and dad to be close to us in Canberra region so we could support them through these tough times. As an invested community member Wayne volunteers with the ACT NAIDOC corporation to deliver key events for the community, is always helping out neighbors, friends and family with whatever they need. He is the quintessential friendly handyman who can’t sit still and is always on the hunt for projects.

Never one for handouts or sharing his own hardships, he has been mowing lawns and cleaning to earn money to help rebuild an old Millard caravan. Stripped completely and rebuilt from frame up with recycled pallets and building scraps, this has been his passion for 2 years. This caravan is not only a hobby, it will likely be their eventual home as the economic climate soars and housing wait list exceeds 10 years in the region.

Here’s the kicker. This week, his car, their only vehicle (an old Nissan Navara 4wd Ute) and means for getting to and from treatment and appointments each week, blew its engine.

They now have no vehicle and no income other than their pension to purchase a new car or replace the engine.

He is devastated, depressed and at a loss as to how they can remedy the issue. As a former mechanic (despite the arthritis and pain) he has the ability to do much of the work himself, however even with that it’s looking like a $4500 plus exercise to get the old Nissan Navara running again.

He does not like the idea of asking for help, but at this point getting the car going and being able to get around, to and from appointments, potential lawn and clean jobs etc is a priority.

We have set up this account in the hopes to show this old fella that good karma does come around and with a little

Support from friends and family we can make it happen.

Please share and support if you can. Every $5 or share restores mental wellbeing as well as contributes to getting the old fella back on the road.