Rikki Organ was not sure he would make the funeral until the last minute. But when he was allowed to leave his hospital bed on Thursday to acknowledge Greg Thurling he revealed what an enormous impact his mate had on many people.
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Greg died suddenly on New Year’s Eve following a 15 year battle with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The massive turnout at his funeral revealed how many lives he touched.
Rikki is presently undergoing chemotherapy and desperately wanted to say what an incredible help his friend had been. And he will never forget the way Greg always greeted him because of his love of colourful clothing. “I knew Greg from many years ago..from back in the days of soccer..when we were teenagers”.
Rikki had enormous respect for Greg as a gifted athlete in many sports but said his allrounder status also involved being a really Good Guy.
“In 2009 I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. And when I was in having my first stem cell transplant..I got a knock on the door and in walks my good buddy Greg. We talked through things and he said “mate, you just got to do it..just do it”. From that moment on..every time I start having a bad time...I think “just do it”. That is probably why I am still here today.”
Rikki may need treatment that will cost him $60,000. But like his good mate he plans to fight every step of the way and do what ever it takes so he can be around longer for his family. He recalled Greg getting him involved in the annual Leukaemia Foundation Golf Day. And teaching him the importance of humour. He said he had done many cancer fundraisers but only really began to understand it when he was diagnosed himself.
“When I got it...it just changed my life. I have lived a better life now as a sick person than I did as a healthy person..because I have a different attitude to life. Every day is a beautiful day no matter what. What it is all about is your family, your friends. If you have got your health you have got everything in the world. And that guy...he just taught me so much.”
Rikki said his mate had inspired many cancer patients to keep going..because when things got bad he just kept fighting back. “I have been let out today..and when I go back in for treatment this afternoon the first thing I will say is “just do it”. I have met a lot of people in my life. But..if I was in a trench and I wanted a wing-man. Greg is the guy I would have next to me.”
Rikki concluded by saying what an inspiration Bev Thurling was in the way she cared for her husband. “We are so proud to be involved with your family. When you all came into our life, our lives became better.”
