Quest for a Cure - Sydney to Byron Bay on Foot

I'm Behn. I reside on the Central Coast NSW and I run small business down in Sydney, Rockdale (Camera Warehouse) But the following story I’m about to share is much more than just business.

On Saturday 18 May 2024, you'll find me lacing up my sneakers for an epic trek from Sydney all the way up to Byron Bay – that's approx.. 800 kilometres. My aim? To hit Byron by June 3rd, maybe even earlier, putting down about 50 kilometres per day, for 16 days straight.

Here’s why…

Just over four months ago (November 2023), my world turned upside down. My partner, Michelle, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Six long years she fought, and I still can't wrap my head around her being gone, the bravest soul I’ve known. They say time heals, but honestly, the pain's only gotten worse for me.

I was blessed with the privilege of sharing 14 incredible years with Michelle. During that time, I got to know the remarkable woman she truly was. Here's a glimpse into the story of my beloved.

Michelle had a huge heart and her capacity for empathy was boundless. She had a unique ability to see the worth in everyone, often placing the needs of others above her own, even at times, to her detriment, expressing selflessness in its truest form. She always stood up for the underdog. Her commitment to family and friends was the glue that held us together, creating unforgettable memories that now serves as a beacon of hope and love in our time of loss.

Family gatherings were her thing, and at Christmas she’d turn into an excited little kid, waiting for Santa.

Her passion for life was infectious. Michelle was the first to dance at any gathering, (with or without music), she really danced like no one was watching. Her joy and enthusiasm drawing everyone in, reminding all around her of the beauty of living in the moment. Michelle’s second home was the Beach. She loved to swim and she believed in the healing powers of the ocean, Underscores the significance of Byron Bay — not just as the place where we got engaged and planned to marry on the beach, but as a sanctuary that mirrored her spirit.

Her stubbornness was legendary, yet it underscored her strength and determination. Once Michelle set her mind to something, it was set in stone. And that same strength of spirit carried her through the toughest times of her life…

My girl was genuine, honest and authentic.. she spoke her mind. She was a compassionate free spirit, who adored her faith & god, as much as dancing, and her birthdays that were more like week-long festivals.

Michelle was a fan of psychic readings and spiritual healers that believed in reincarnation. A few of them claimed that we'd been together in many lifetimes. At first, I’d roll my eyes, thinking it was just a ploy to drain our wallets. But now, I'm counting down the days until our next incarnation together.

In 2017, our lives turn upside with the shock diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer..

The first 4 years were tough, but she fought this disease like wonder woman. The last 2 years were extremely tough, marked by spinal metastases and subsequent complications after major surgery, leading to a prognosis of stage 4, incurable cancer.

I remember when they told her she may no longer swim, she was more devastated by this news then being told her cancer was terminal.

I became her fulltime carer and it was the saddest thing to watch her slowly decline as she was always a fiercely independent person, but I was honoured to be her dedicated carer, even if it meant for a lifetime.

I'd never seen anyone endure pain and suffering like this - let alone for nearly four years straight. And even when it all seemed most heavy and traumatic, Michelle would endure and hit back with grace and resilience.

She never lost hope. We never lost hope. We never gave up, and for this, I am eternally proud and grateful.

After she passed, we found a handwritten note in her handbag where she’d written her wishes on a piece of napkin from her final hospital admission. I broke down when I read this note. Michelle's dream was to spread awareness about ovarian cancer, to help others catch it early.

I made a promise to her & myself – to fulfill that dream no matter what.

Michelle was more than a partner; she was my soulmate. Losing her left a hole in my heart big enough to swallow me whole. I understand its still very early days however, I tried to be strategic with this grief thing thinking I can rush my way through it. Since her passing, I started drinking every day and did a lot of crazy things. I feel lost & I’ve been trying to fill a massive void. I’ve now accepted that it’s not going to be easy, and I’m prepared for the long haul.

I knew I couldn't drown my sorrows forever. So, I decided to turn my grief into something positive, something that might make a genuine difference.

But before I can help anyone else, I've got to figure out how to heal myself. And that's where this crazy walk comes in.

Why Byron Bay? Michelle’s favourite place in Australia, we got engaged in Byron and we were supposed to get married there.

Why arrive by 03 June? That’s Michelle’s Birthday. We celebrated quite a number of birthdays in Byron and were supposed to go there in 2023 but she was too unwell.

I'll also be carrying Michelle’s ashes with me and will scatter them in the ocean on her favourite beach in Byron.

My initial plan was to undertake this trek solo, reflecting the profound sense of solitude Michelle experienced throughout her 6-year battle with cancer. Despite being surrounded by support, she often mentioned she felt profoundly alone.. This walk, while deeply personal, has grown into a collective endeavour, with loved ones rallying to support the cause. I may have the honour of having Michelle’s brothers by my side on this trek and I know Michelle would be smiling up there to see us walk side by side for such a cause.

Our goals are ambitious yet reflective of Michelle's spirit:

1. Our mission is to raise $50,000 : all of which goes directly to Ovarian Cancer Australia for the amazing work they do for OC research, advocating for early detection and supporting patients, carers & families.

2. Awareness, Awareness, Awareness. With your help, we will be raising as much awareness as possible around OC through every possible channel (through the Business, social media, Events, Face to Face etc).

3. In my lifetime, I would like to make Ovarian Cancer a distant memory and to champion a future where early detection and prevention are not just dreams but realities. I know these are ambitious wishes but after what I witnessed over last 6 years; I will not rest until something is done. If we can even help save 1 life, my life would be complete.

To everyone who's stood by me, I can't thank you enough. This journey is for Michelle, for the love we shared in the very place we got engaged and dreamed of marrying, for the healing embrace of the ocean she loved, and for every battle she faced with grace. Join us, as we walk, dance, and move forward in her honour, towards a future free from ovarian cancer, one step, one dance move, at a time.

Sydney to Byron is just the beginning, Together We can Make a Difference!