In loving memory of Dale Young and Support Rhys and Lucas

My brother in-law Dale passed away peacefully on Wednesday 29 May, after a 4 year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). AML is a rare cancer and around 900 people are diagnosed with AML in Australia annually.

Dale endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and 3 bone marrow transplants. Recovery after a bone marrow transplant is brutal, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, Dale was one of the unlucky ones to also develop graft versus host disease (GVHD), which occurs when donated cells attack the good cells in the host body and destroy them. This impacted and deteriorated Dale’s quality of life; but he was holding on to be able to spend every last second with his husband Rhys, his shining star 2 year old Lucas and loved ones.

To say the last 4 years have been challenging for Rhys and Dale is an understatement. Dale lost his Dad to prostate cancer and shortly after was diagnosed with AML. During this time Rhys and Dale were in the middle of multiple IVF rounds with the support of their beautiful surrogate and egg donor. They also had to postpone their wedding twice and endured endless COVID lockdowns in Melbourne. Undoubtedly the biggest challenge has been Dale’s health battle. All of this whilst caring for a newborn baby, sleepless nights, hospital visits and juggling life. Rhys has worked intermittently throughout this time, but their focus has been trying to create memories for Lucas to cherish of his superhero “Daddy”.

Their relationship has been a true test of resilience and strength. Somehow…. despite the dark clouds, they still remained positive and their love grew stronger by the day. We celebrated their love during their intimate and most beautiful wedding ceremony on the 29th January 2024, exactly 4 months ago.

Dale spent a vast amount of time at the Austin Hospital, growing fond of the medical staff. We are forever grateful for the care and support they showed Dale and his family.

The next few months will be taxing for Rhys, as he needs to return to work and settle into his new life as a single parent. Any financial contribution will greatly assist Rhys and Lucas by allowing them the time they need to grieve, ease the financial pressures of the funeral and mortgage.

We thank you in advance.

We are in awe of Dale’s strength and fighting spirit. Rest in peace “Daddy”, husband, son, brother and amazing friend Dale….. You will never ever be forgotten.

with love and appreciation,

Dale and Rhys’ family and friends xx