Justin was only 17 when his mum was rushed to the nearest hospital two hours from their family home.

Four weeks later, she woke up to a diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Two months later, his father, who could no longer cope, took his own life.

Justin’s Story

As a high-achiever in his final year of high school in Far North Queensland, Justin was consumed with his studies and to achieve his goal of being accepted into medicine.

But only weeks before Justin was due to sit his exams, his mother was rushed to Cairns Base Hospital, nearly two hours from their home in Kurrimine Beach, with a severe bowel obstruction.

‘We were being told one day that she only had 24 hours left to live, and then 48 hours the next’.

During this time Justin’s father slipped into a deep depression. Tragically, he did not recover and soon after took his own life—leaving Justin and his brother to cope alone.

‘I couldn’t understand why my father, who I had looked up to for strength, could do such a thing. I remember having to tell my mum [about his Dad’s suicide]. I retreated into one of the darkest places I have ever been.’

Through the support of Cancer Council Queensland, Justin’s school, and his friends, somehow Justin found the strength to keep going.

‘A counsellor from Cancer Council Queensland was made available to my mum. She (the counsellor) would also speak to my brother and myself. It really is so important to have someone who you can talk to.’

Justin is taking each day as it comes. He is studying medicine and he was awarded Cancer Council Queensland’s 2010 Seize the Day grant which helped ease some of the many financial stresses associated with being a student.

Sadly, Justin’s mother’s battle with cancer isn’t over yet.

‘We have scans in April. It is pretty much a waiting game at the moment. Unfortunately, it was a late stage tumour.’

Justin and his family have needed and continue to need our support. Justin’s hometown of Kurrimine Beach was one of the towns badly hit by the cyclone; his home was damaged but thankfully he and his mum are doing well. We will continue to support Justin and his family to ensure they are receiving the emotional and practical support they need.

To support families like Justin’s affected by cancer, we need your help.

Please give generously to help us continue to fund vital research and provide counselling and support services to those, like Justin, who shouldn’t have to face cancer alone.

We need to raise $300,000 by 31 March 2011, and we can’t do it without you.

Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 663 936 to make a donation over the phone.