Challenge Cancer Dads

As we've mentioned before, having a child with cancer opens up a whole new world of social interaction opportunities. Tonight was my first experience of a cancer dads night out courtesy of the Challenge Charity. Always up for free food and beer I happily took up the invite to a corporate box at Ethiad Stadium. My (nominal) team St Kilda were soundly spanked 130 something to 60 something by North Melbourne. But with caviar, smoked salmon, steak and wine on the menu then at least the effort was worth my while.
In terms of the social interaction it was definitely an 'interesting' mix. Cancer does not discriminate about who it chooses to impact so there was a great and humbling opportunity to meet with all sorts of dads, each unwittingly thrown into the deep end. Some of the stories of children with various tumours to the eye, jaw, brain and stomach were downright scary. Is it right to feel relieved that our child 'only' has leukemia?
Of the fathers with ALL leukemia (like Celia) then that wasn't exactly positive either. I met one guy whose daughter was in a wheelchair for 3 months, another whose daughter went deaf and is still deaf two years later and a third dad whose son unfortunately didn't make it and died two years after diagnosis having relapsed four times. My conclusion: Celia may be in good humour right now, but the reality is that there are many more very tough times ahead.

These cancer charities are here for a reason, and the reason is that dealing with cancer is very, very difficult. The caviar was great guys but the gritty stories was what the night was all about. Thank you for a great night Challenge - keep up the fantastic work. I had a timely reminder to be ready for the long fight and to keep on believing. The road is a long one and we have only just turned the first small corner.

Meanwhile, at home, Celia keeps on working on her new bald fashonista pyjamas look. Who cares about the next corner - Celia's living for today and long may that continue.