Support Rhees through his Leukemia Treatment

It feels so surreal to be writing this but here we are.

A few weeks ago Rhees presented to the ER with an infected abscess that would require a small day surgery. After routine blood work, an abnormality was found in Rhees blood. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He was transferred to GCUH in Southport and has remained there for almost 3 weeks. As you can imagine, this has been a huge shock. His treatment plan began immediately, it has been aggressive and painful and from where we stand now it seems there is a long road ahead.

I am always amazed by the adaptability of the human spirit, and though this is absolutely not a change anyone ever hopes to adapt to, it has been a remarkable show of Rhees’ true heart and character. No matter what manner of agony he is experiencing, no matter how many times he is pricked and prodded or wheeled off for another test, no matter the discomfort or the fevers or the fear, he smiles and thanks every single nurse/doctor/unit staff member that enters his room. He tells them about his beautiful son and how this fight of his life is all for him. He immediately learnt everything there is to learn about his new reality- the names of the meds, the procedures and protocols of the hospital, the names and stories of his nurses- no matter the chaos that is circling around him, his determination to move through each new harrowing phase is astonishing.

Rhees is an extremely proud Dadda to our beautiful son Banjo. For the last few years Rhees and I have embarked on a rollercoaster co-parenting ride, but no matter the challenges faced or the lessons learned, we have remained family with deep love for each other and our boy at the heart of it all. Rhees is a wonderful father to his little B, he loves him with tenderness and great care and has worked so diligently to build a beautiful life for he & Banjo. He loves good music and it’s never not playing in their little farmhouse. Yesterday before he was wheeled off for an MRI, through so much pain and exhaustion he looked over at me and said ‘You know dogs can’t get MRI’s? But cats-can.’ This is Rhees in a nutshell- totally on his knees but cracking dad jokes anyway. We love him with all our hearts.

Rhees has experienced such a generous show of kindness already. All his loved ones flocked from afar in an instant to be by his side for the journey, everyone is reorganising their lives to be able to support him without question- if that doesn’t speak mountains about how truly treasured this man is, I don’t know what does. He has been overwhelmed with gratitude and his eyes light up every time he speaks of this reminder that he is loved, so thank you.

As Rhees’ treatment rolls on, it is becoming evident we are in for a long ride. He will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as he undergoes rigorous chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, blood transfusions, countless tests… the list goes on. As we all know, the world too rolls madly on- there are still bills to pay and expenses ahead that are seen and unforeseen. At the completion of this first round of chemo and observations in hospital, Rhees will be required to stay very close by as he continues his treatment. He will require full-time care through each phase of treatment and recovery.

If you know Rhees, you will know it is extremely rare for him to ask for help. He’s the first to offer it though and fiercely supports the ones he loves with whatever he has, big or small. The last thing Rhees needs right now is to be worried about finances, and so we are reaching out to community to step in and support this beautiful man in his time of great need.

The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Rhees through his cancer treatment journey. This includes covering the cost of specialist medical appointments, treatments, and medications, as well as helping with everyday living expenses while he’s unable to work. Your support will also assist with transport to and from the hospital, nutritious meals, and creating a stable, comforting environment for him and our son during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, big or small, will help ease the financial pressure so he can focus fully on healing.

Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts and please continue to send love and thoughts and prayers his way.