Dear Family and Friends, 

I have decided to make a difference by taking part in the ‘You Are Beautiful’ Fundraising Photographic Exhibition to raise funds for Cancer Support WA. Cancer Support WA helps individuals and families dealing with Cancer by providing support services and the only 24 hour Cancer Support phone line in Australia.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL is a unique photographic exhibition and book project celebrating the life and stories of people touched by cancer. Organised by Cancer Support WA in partnership with master photographer Janet Craig and other sponsors, the purpose of You are Beautiful is to bring awareness to the untold stories of people with cancer, and to raise funds for Cancer Support WA.

Through here you can easily support my efforts by sponsoring my portrait, by making a secure donation online. I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page above or comment below so more people know about it.

Click 'Donate Now' to make a secure online donation. 

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you will be issued with a DGR receipt via email as soon as you make a donation, which can be used at Tax time.

Cancer Support WA is hoping to raise $200,000.00. Your donation will help us reach this goal and the images will be displayed in a public exhibition in 2016. Details of the exhibition will be emailed to you closer to the date.

Please find below the story behind my image.

Thank you for your support!

MY STORY

I am a THRIVER and not a SURVIVOR

I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in 2007, a rare and deadly incurable blood cancer.

The years prior to 2007, most patients could anticipate a painful death following several uncomfortable years of decline.

The only treatment options were relatively toxic drugs like interferon, and the only hope for a cure was a stem cell transplant - for which just a fraction of patients qualified.

In 2007, I became the recipient of Critical Medical Research and have my blood cancer managed using A tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI).

TKIs have revolutionized the managements of many cancers.

TKI (Glivec) is a product of years of publicly and privately funded research. After 18 months of taking this new agent all but eliminated the cancer that was killing me.

I am in treatment drug remission.  I am not cured of cancer.

In short I survive and thrive because of a pill.

There is a difference between cure and wellness. To be cured means you no longer have the disease. This is not a curable disease.

In the absence of a cure, look for wellness instead, which is about becoming whole.

Wellness brings purpose, allows you to embrace potential, to learn, love, lead and be strong.

I live with the value of Positive Action which enhances my emotional integrity and supports ones well-being.

Through the tough times people may think they need to sacrifice positivity. This is the exact opposite approach to positive wellness.

Each of us has the amazing ability to put our unique human potential into action and to acquire a desired result.

My experience to share with you with cancer is to:

• *  Take positive action by being engaged in life and you will create more of what you want

• *  Be self-empowered and self-directed

• *  Connect to your community

• *  Be grateful – focus on what you do have and you will create more of what you want and

• *  Find your passion by participating in life.  

  Thoughts by Richard Wieseman:

 “If you want to be happier or more confident, research shows that the best way is to act the part”

Be a THRIVER