Hi my name is Sarah. My husband Hamish, father to Ollie (13yrs) & Amber (10yrs) & the strongest person I know, has been diagnosed with a rare bone cancer (sacrum Chordoma) in his spine.

Hamish is the one who supported me through some of the most trying times in my life. He is the advocate for Ollie with his medical issues, health & ensuring he has the best supports in place.

At 42 he should be able to play sports with the kids, mow the lawn, clean the gutters & fix the roof. Not asking people to pick things up because he can’t even bend over. It’s so upsetting when the kids quietly say to me that they wish Dad could play rough or go for a run with them, when they take me aside & ask when his back will be fixed.

Over the past 7 months his mobility and daily functions have been significantly impacted but he still got up everyday and went to work & tried to carry on a daily life & support us all.

After going to the physio every week for months they suggested he needed scans to see what else was going on. Hamish couldn’t even lie in the chamber to have his MRI because of the pain but eventually they managed to get two images.

By that afternoon he was

referred to a Neurosurgeon and is admitted to hospital where he received the diagnosis. A cancer so rare it only impacts 1 in a million.

The biggest problem facing us right now is the treatment for this type of cancer is primarily Proton Therapy. Which we don’t have in Australia.

He will need to head overseas (probably US or Singapore) for a minimum 3 months with constant treatment. That’s just for treatment, not including any potential surgery and rehab requirements.

As a family unit we have always done it ourselves and asking for help has been a tough decision. We will be facing massive financial pressure with absolutely no idea of the outcome for anything, not sure if treatments or surgery will help or even beat the cancer. What future aspects will be & what supports he will need.

Your donations will be used for:

- purchasing airfares, accommodation and travel expenses when overseas for treatment

- purchasing required equipment and medicines

- providing options for any other treatments or expenses

*As some money may be reimbursed through Medicare and any money not used will be donated to a Chordoma and rare cancer related charity.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you for your support xx