The legacy of Dr Matthew Fisher

In March 2020, Dr Matthew Fisher received the devastating diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and embarked on one of the most grueling treatment regimens imaginable. Throughout this ordeal, his courage and resilience never faltered, and his selflessness remained boundless.

Matt is survived by his much-adored wife, Naomi, who stood as his unwavering rock, walking every step of this harrowing journey by his side. Despite the immense challenges, she skilfully balanced the demands of caring for their two precious daughters, Vivienne and Sylvie, who were aged four and one at the time.

This young family, whose seemingly perfect life was shattered by sarcoma, has imparted profound lessons. Their humility and grace in the face of adversity were extraordinary, embodying perseverance and determination each day, even when faced with little positive news. Their enduring love story is a testament to the strength of their bond and will forever be remembered.

The extended family also played crucial roles, each member stepping up to envelop Matt, Naomi, and the children in a shroud of love and care.  We learned much from witnessing the humility and grace with which Matt, Naomi, and their extended families, including his parents and sister in the UK, faced immense challenges.

Matt, a softly spoken and modest man, demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience throughout one of the most brutal treatment regimens. During his treatment in 2020, Matt continued his work as a chemical patent examiner, researching the patents on his chemotherapy drugs and sharing his findings with his oncologist, who believed one of the drugs to be an Australian invention.

Matt’s oncologist, Associate Professor Paul Craft, is renowned for his exceptional care, compassion, and expertise. Always willing to explore all treatment options and think innovatively, Professor Craft ensured Matt’s needs were heard and promptly addressed. Matt received the highest standard of care from a clinician with both exceptional skill and a profound sense of empathy.

Professor Craft’s Nurse Coordinator, Amber, played an integral role in the outstanding Canberra team. This often-overlooked role is crucial, alleviating much of the burden from the patient and family.

The importance of early diagnosis for sarcoma patients is globally recognised and can significantly impact the disease’s trajectory. A special doctor at the Canberra Hospital emergency department, “Dr. Nick,” was unsatisfied with the initial scan results and promptly referred Matt to the sarcoma specialist multi-disciplinary team. This pivotal decision, made by a young doctor encountering a rare cancer, was crucial.

Given Matt’s scientific background, he wished to support the critical research needed to change the current trajectory for sarcoma patients. 100% of this research fund were directed to the IL-23 sarcoma sub-study at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. This pioneering study, open to all sarcoma sub-types has provided valuable steps forward to unlocking the secrets of sarcoma.

Matt’s legacy has raised in excess of $100,000 for the IL-23 study, a truly remarkable testament to his enduring impact, generosity and his profound concern for those who would walk this road behind him.

 

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month


Sarcoma awareness isn’t limited to a single month or day of the year—it’s something we need to consider 365 days a year.

However, in July, we have an opportunity to bring sarcoma into the spotlight and increase awareness of its sinister nature and the challenges it poses.  A time to direct the spotlight on those impacted by a sarcoma diagnosis—those living with it, their families, carers, survivors, and those forever missed who no longer walk beside us.

This month, CRBF is focusing on our young. Sarcoma affects all ages, but its impact on the young is particularly harsh. Throughout July, we will shed light on the heart-breaking reality faced by young sarcoma patients, driven by alarming mortality rates that show no signs of abating.

Sarcoma, a cancer that can arise anywhere in the body, is often misdiagnosed—especially young people, where symptoms are mistakenly attributed to growing pains, sports injuries, or the anxieties of adolescence.

Joining with us this July will be ten prominent Australians who reflect on their journey from childhood to success in their respective fields, and their immense contributions to Australian society.

What significance do these stories have to sarcoma? They provide a poignant contrast to the experiences of young sarcoma patients who we will also hear from. Far too often, their hopes, dreams, and aspirations are abruptly taken away. Lives changed irreversibly, leaving behind untapped potential.

By listening to these inspiring insights, we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the immense losses suffered by our young people diagnosed with this cancer. Loss of childhood, freedom, identity, friendships, time, and tragically, life itself. Sarcoma can alter the story at a crucial stage of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, disrupting regular milestones, hindering the dreams of our young.

Together, we can bring hope, support, and a renewed sense of purpose to those impacted.

Let’s rewrite the narrative—don’t let sarcoma end the story.

#SarcomaAwarenessMonth #Notgivingin #Curesarcoma #RewriteTheNarrative

Let’s talk “more” about sarcoma


Take 45 minutes out of your day to put your EarPods in, and listen to our latest Podcast, Let’s Talk More About Sarcoma, a collaboration between Sock it to sarcoma! and CRBF.

It may save your life or that of someone that you love.

In this episode we are delighted to have Dr Richard Boyle, eminent sarcoma surgeon, & the Head of NSW Bone & Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit at RPAH, Dr Michela Sorensen, Dr Michela Sorensen, Medical Practitioner who has not only seen sarcoma in her practice, but has also suffered the unspeakable loss of a family member, and finally Merryn Aldridge, who worked as a physiotherapist for the Australian Athletic Team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and once again has encountered sarcoma through her practice. This highly credentialed trio speak about the importance of symptom recognition, your rights as a patient, and the importance of timely referral to a sarcoma specialist.

An enormous thank you to Cathrine Mahoney & Darcy Milne, the stellar team behind this podcast series for the second season. Suffice to say without their professionalism and willingness to assist us with this very important project, this production would not be possible.

To listen, please press on the link below:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lets-talk-more-about-sarcoma/id1521584488?i=1000527963130

Sarcoma Awareness Month – The important role of the carer

ANZSA begin their Sarcoma Awareness Month webinar series with an in-depth look at the role of the carer.

Mandy Basson, Managing Director of Sock it to Sarcoma, and Associate Professor Georgia Halkett will join ANZSA Consumer Advisory Panel member, Karen Laurati in shining the light on an area which is so often overlooked.

Mandy is well -versed with the often unmet needs of the carer, having been by her daughter Abbie’s side from diagnosis and throughout her treatment, then continuing her daughter’s vision to make a profound difference in the lives of sarcoma patients.

The organisation has provided over a decade of support to patients, families and carers and continues to to provide an important resource for those sarcoma patients who need it most.

Associate Professor Georgia Halkett will bring her highly professional perspective to the table, after the release of her recent research paper earlier this year – The unmet needs of carers of patients diagnosed with sarcoma: A qualitative study.

If you or a family member is a carer for a sarcoma patient, this is a webinar not to be missed.

Use the QR code below to register, or go to the ANZA FaceBook page by pressing the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/ANZSarcoma/

Sarcoma included in new Aus data …

Cancer Australia has released initial National Data on Australian paediatric cancer stages at diagnosis, including the rare and aggressive Sarcoma cancers.

This data covers sixteen major cancer types, which represent approximately three-quarters of all childhood cancers diagnosed in Australia. To see more please see ASSG’s press release or visit

https://childrenscancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/stage-diagnosis-data

Amazing people doing amazing things….


Heide Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke are not only the founders of the highly successful Australian fashion label Sass and Bide, they have also lent their highly credible names to improving survival outcomes for sarcoma patients, with their fundraising and awareness initiatives.

It was while Heidi Middleton was staging her own battle with breast cancer, that her friend Kate Boyson was also staging a valiant battle with a Ewings Sarcoma diagnosis. Ewings Sarcoma is a highly aggressive and rare form of primary bone cancer.

Kate passed away in October of 2007, five months after her diagnosis, leaving behind her husband Marcus who now chairs Rainbows for Kate, the Foundation that proudly her name.  Kate and Marcus also had two young children.  Heidi was understandably devastated by the tragic and unnecessary loss of her friend at the age of 32.

Sass and Bide presented a tribute to Kate at New York Fashion Week, 2008, titled ‘Rainbows for Kate’ . This collection was inspired by a bracelet Heidi made for Kate, which contained coloured beads representative of different emotions, which today forms the basis of the Foundation logo. When addressing those at the Sass and Bide show, Heidi’s poignant words remain a strong reminder of all the qualities she admired and missed in her beautiful friend Kate Boyson.

My beautiful friend, tonight we celebrate your incredible spirit… your unbelievable courage, your shining heart…your ‘light any room’ smile…you burst into my life like a beautiful rainbow…” 

This story is a powerful reminder that sarcoma, like most cancer, does not discriminate.  It can affect all ages, despite disproportionately affecting young people.  Kate’s story, put simply, is heartbreaking.

Kate’s story also serves to remind us of the strength of the human spirit.  Her husband Marcus, their children, and her dear friend Heidi Middleton, all worked through their  unspeakable grief, to help spare others from traveling the same road.

The highly successful Rainbows For Kate, (RFK) funds ‘critical research that will bring hope, time and more treatment options to those diagnosed with Sarcoma cancers.’

RFK has contributed more than a million dollars to sarcoma research, and last Saturday night marked their ten -year milestone at The Swifts, Darling Point.  We are in awe of what this Foundation has achieved over a decade, for sarcoma research, and ‘grass roots’ awareness, and their outstanding resilience.

Please go to the website www.rainbowsforkate.com.au to donate or press the link below

 

http://www.rainbowsforkate.com.au/donations.html

The unstoppable Imogen Atkins…

Imogen Atkins is an extraordinary young lady by any standard.   Imogen’s sarcoma diagnosis was made at the tender age of  15.  Her life was immediately turned upside down, undergoing a rigorous treatment regime  including major surgery,  but she like many other sarcoma patients, has chosen not to allow this cancer to define her life.

Prior to her diagnosis and the subsequent commencement of her treatment Imogen had the most beautiful long hair, which most teenagers (and adults) would envy. Knowing she would lose her hair throughout chemotherapy, she instead had it cut, and donated it to ‘Hair with a Heart, raising in excess of $27,000 in the process.  Her magnificent hair was then used to make wigs for patients with medical conditions causing alopecia, and many patients benefitted from her huge heart, and enormous generosity of spirit, when she was going through so very much herself at the time. Her capacity to think of others at such a young age is truly remarkable.

Imogen, now days away from her 17th birthday, defies the cancer she has battled, by resuming the sporting activities she loves, and selflessly helps others through her work with the Queensland Youth Cancer Service.

Imogen continues to embrace life to the fullest, and is a constant reminder to those around her how to rise above adversity and find meaning in your life, despite the hurdles that may come your way.  She is wise beyond her linear years, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to her, for sharing part two of her journey.

We cannot wait to see where life takes this inspirational young woman.

Imogen Atkins – in her own words…

 
After going through 8 months of chemo, it is amazing to be able to be back doing more normal things.  I still face regular check ups, and ongoing rehabilitation, but in no way have , or will I, let that stop me from trying to do and achieve what I really want.

Let’s start with school.  At the moment I am halfway through my final year and on track to get a good OP. even though many people encouraged be to , a) repeat year 11, and b) to go down the path of getting a Rank instead. I have experienced a lot of times when I really had to push for what I wanted, and I’ve learned that if I know I can achieve something, I should push and achieve it.

Prior to the cancer, I was a very avid rower.  It was truly heartbreaking and difficult when I was told I might not be able to row again, but being the persistent and slightly stubborn person I am, I refused to take that as a never.  As soon as i was able to, I worked at regaining my strength and bend in my knee.  So now I train several times a week, I am part of a crew, and it is amazing to be back on the water.  Despite the cold mornings of training, being on the water is one of the most important things to me, and brings me so much joy.

I have also found out that I like having a voice.  I am now part of the Queensland Youth Cancer Advisory Group.  In this group I, and several others, advise Queensland Youth Cancer Service on health service planning, delivery, evaluation education and training, together with developing spaces and facilities for young patients and their families.  We talk and discuss with people who are looking to improve their services.  I am basically a voice trying to make another young person’s cancer journey or experience, just that little bit better, and a little bit easier.  I feel this is really good and important.

After my cancer experience, I realised that I have to step into life, find ways of doing things, and never give up on my dreams.  I can no longer ski, so I’m learning to snowboard.  Recently I sat on a panel of people at a medical conference. I travelled to London and Finland with my family, and this month I’m going to be bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding.  I am about as happy as i can be having gone through a year of cancer...

Elliott Miller. In the words of his mother…


To mark global sarcoma month, CRBF will be conducting a series of interviews, and publishing tributes to patients and loved ones affected by sarcoma, in an effort to portray the human side of this insidious cancer.

I met Henrietta Miller late last year, after she took the time to reach out to me, when I was in the depths of despair after Cooper’s passing.

Henrietta is a gentle and quietly spoken woman, with a huge capacity to give to others.   I was pleased I had accepted her invitation to visit, as she is one of the few people who can say they deeply understand the myriad of emotions, and the never ending wall of grief you experience after the loss of a child.

Henrietta’s son Elliott had tragically passed away prior to Cooper, and was treated within the confines of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse as Cooper was, and treated by many of the medical team who had also treated Cooper.  It was indeed not lost on me our commonality was borne through deep seated tragedy, and at times throughout our conversation, and through the tears, I found myself wondering why it was we were brought together by circumstances that really should never be?  Our boys were bright shining lights at the very beginning of the wonderful lives ahead of them.

I will never forget Henrietta’s serene manner, and the selflessness, and kindness she showed our family, by reaching out to us at a time when we were at our lowest ebb.  It must have been very difficult to do so, knowing that it would undoubtedly open wounds of the past, yet this amazing woman put her own emotions aside to help others.

Today we celebrate the essence of Elliott Miller, in Henrietta’s words…

 

 

Elliott John Miller 27/12/94 – 01/03/16

 

Elliott was a second year arts student at Sydney University majoring in performance studies. His was a fairly typical lifestyle for such a student, many late nights with the occasional burst of essay writing to just about keep things on track. Taking every opportunity to perform, he spent the better part of 2014 concurrently rehearsing at least five shows and dedicated 2015 to his burgeoning career as a director. The only complaint anyone could ever make about Elliott was really a complaint about a lack of hours in the day in which to gain an audience with him.

In August 2015, Elliott had been complaining of a sore jaw when he ate, but trips to his dentist and x-rays had not shown anything untoward. In mid September though, a specialist dentist finally ordered an MRI scan which revealed a tumour. Following a biopsy his initial cancer diagnosis was Ewings Sarcoma, but this was later changed to an embryonic Rabdomyosarcoma; an incredibly rare form of childhood cancer, one that only affects about seven adults a year worldwide.

In October 2015, with all our lives inextricably changed forever, Elliott began chemotherapy  and radiotherapy at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, under the care of Professor Tattersall. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best medical efforts, nothing could halt his tumour rapidly spreading from his jaw to his lungs where it continued to grow.

Elliott died on 1 March 2016, a little over four months after his diagnosis. He was 21 and on the cusp of an incredible future. Elliott performed right to the end, and never lost his sense of humour or the ability to saunter onto any stage, own it and make people laugh. Whether as a stand-up improv comedian, actor or director, Elliott never failed to impress.

He and his enormous potential are deeply missed by all his family and his extraordinary number of friends.

July – Global Sarcoma Awareness Month


Yesterday marked the first day of global sarcoma awareness month.  A month where we  take the time to remember and to honour the memory of those who have needlessly lost their lives to this cancer;  provide unconditional love and support to those you may know going through gruelling treatment regimes; and to provide hope for the future for those who are yet to walk this road, and those undertaking the battle of their lives, by talking about this cancer, and donating to sarcoma research.

A sad goodbye to a beautiful, bright shining star…


March 12, 2018

 

 It is with profound sadness, we have learned of the passing of Gabriella Wehbe, a courageous, and inspiring young lady who staged a fearless and hard -fought battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. Gabby and Cooper were the same age, and were both treated by the outstanding sarcoma team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and this is how they met.

As a family, we were in awe of Gabby’s strength, and humility and the grace in which she took life in her stride, making every moment count.  We will never forget the 15th November, 2016, at Sydney University Great Hall, when she and Cooper, despite their personal adversities, delivered speeches outlining their respective sarcoma journeys.  Together these bright shining lights, contributed to the outstanding amount raised that evening, of over $500,000, which benefitted the Comprehensive Sarcoma Centre at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

Gabby’s speech reminded the guests that night, that no matter how tough the day is, it is nothing in comparison to what young sarcoma patients face hourly, and most choose to simply get on with the job at hand.  Rarely a day passes when I do not recall Gabby’s or Cooper’s words from that evening, which are etched in my memory forever.

Suffice to say, Gabby would never quite know or understand the joy, the hope and the inspiration she brought to so many.  She will remain a beacon of light in our lives which are enriched as a result of the inspiration you provided so many

Our hearts tonight break for the Wehbe family, and we join with all of those whose lives Gabby touched in sending love, light and strength in abundance to her wonderful family.  We understand all too well, your unfathomable loss, and we vow to continue our work in fond memory of the bright shining stars, who have touched our lives forever.