Support Harley fight for his life against cancer

Hi, this post is about fundraising for an amazing person, Harley Bragge, as well as imploring everyone to donate blood and plasma, if you are able to.

Harley is 24 and lives in Albury NSW. On Thursday 12 October 2023, Harley collapsed and was rushed to Albury Hospital, and later air lifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery to remove clots in his main artery from the heart to the lung, as well as other clots in his heart. A week later, he was diagnosed with terminal papillary renal cell carcinoma. He has malignant tumours on both of his kidneys, his liver and upper abdomen.

His immediate treatment will be regular immunotherapy, plus targeted tablets administered daily, and blood thinners to dissolve the clots that are constantly forming. This will continue for the rest of Harley’s life. The oncologist has advised the life expectancy for this type of cancer is 12-18 months. But, knowing Harley, he will fight hard and we hope so much to have him in our lives a lot longer.

Anyone who knows Harley understands what a special person he is. He has worked at Kirinari Community Services as a complex disability support worker for 2 years and is a valued member of the team. His ability to engage with people from all walks of life and his eternally positive outlook on life is awe inspiring. He is always thinking of others before himself. Even lying in a hospital bed a day after open-heart surgery, he was worried that his 2 younger brothers would be bored and gave them money to go to an arcade. He also plays AFL for Murray Magpies and loves being a part of a team.

Harley had back pain for 2 months leading up to his collapse, but no one ever thought to check for cancer. I mean, something like incurable cancer is not supposed to happen to a fit, healthy young man in the prime of his life, right? Now Harley and his devoted family are about to start the biggest fight of our lives.

So here is the spiel:

1. If you are able to, please donate blood and plasma as often as you can. You could save so many lives. When Harley was first admitted to Albury Base Hospital, he required a blood transfusion to stabilise him. It really can mean the difference between life and death for someone. For more information and to check eligibility, visit lifeblood .

2. If you are in a position to be able to donate money, it would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, with the treatment Harley will be receiving, he will be unable to work full time, if at all. While he has a partner, she will need to care for Harley as well and may not be able to work full time, and all the added expenses that come with his diagnoses will put a lot of stress on him, at a time when that is the last thing he needs.

All funds raised will go towards medical costs, transport and accommodation costs (if trips are required to Melbourne) and any cost of living if things get really tough, such as food, rent, fuel and utility bills.

In the tragic event that Harley passes, the money will be used to pay for his funeral, with any remaining funds to be donated to the Cancer Council Victoria.

The money will be kept in a designated account solely for the purposes outlined above.

3. If you are unable to donate any money, you can still help by sharing this with your friends, family and community and this would mean the world to us.

4. Lastly, and most importantly, PLEASE get regular check-ups with your GP and follow up on anything that doesn’t seem right. Early detection of cancer can save your life. For more information visit Cancer Council Victoria.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your well wishes during this difficult time.

I just want to send a quick shout out to the amazing oncologists, doctors and nurses at Albury Base Hospital and the Alfred Hospital. You are all superstars and have taken the best care of Harley! We are forever grateful for everything you have done.