Carrying Andy and Mel beyond Brain Cancer

Life changes in an instant.

Slowly and suddenly, an ordinary day becomes a whole other life.

A small biopsy at the GP abruptly transforms into a phone call summoning both of you to a conversation which you must encounter together.

An unremarkable morning shatters into a fractured and bewildering afternoon, with no path of return to the blissful wholeness of the unknowing of that day's dawn.

Slowly and suddenly, a sore lump is a melanoma. And not the primary site. And you're not allowed to drive anymore.

The hours and days start to sweep you up. A succession of doctors caringly and carefully conceal their worst fears until they're sure of what they need to tell you.

Slowly and suddenly, you have brain and lung cancer.

And so the battle begins.

This week Andy and Mel Hughes are beginning their fight. Andy has Stage 4 cancer. They've been backed right into the corner of their ring. The punches are deepening into a cascade of sledgehammers, and they're beginning to absorb the first blows.

But their fight is also our fight. Their battle will see us raise them up and carry them high. In their battle, they will see the light which they shine into the world reflected blazingly back upon them.

Due to brainstem involvement, Andy's cancer is inoperable. This Friday sees the beginning of intensive immunotherapy, gamma radiation treatment in Melbourne, and targeted drug delivery.

Andy will be unable to work for many months ahead, and Mel's capacity to work will be severely limited. Financial support will allow Mel to focus on Andy, and Andy to fight with all his faith and courage.

Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. May Andy and Mel know our love for them.

Will you help carry them over all that lies ahead?