When Millie Freckelton, 26, was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma just days before Christmas she did not think there was much hope of survival.
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But she was referred to the Melanoma Institute Australia which accepted her into clinical trial that is giving her a much greater chance.
On Sunday morning the encouragement continued when she met Paul Cooney who was given only two weeks to live in December 2015 before being referred to MIA and taking part in a similar trial.
The treatment and care he received meant he was able to participate in the annual Melanoma March in Wollongong with 400 other people who walked from Stuart Park to Flagstaff Hill and back.
Ms Freckelton said “it is encouraging” to meet someone who has been on the same journey she is embarking on. It all started when she discovered a lump on her breast. A scan then found activity in some lymph nodes, her neck and abdomen.
Ms Freckelton said she had not been in the sun a lot as a child. She grew up on a farm and never really sun-baked.
“There is no history of melanoma in the family. It progressed from being possibly a mole at some time that I couldn’t really see. It has spread into the blood and it has deposited into organs and soft tissue. It was a surprise I didn’t expect,” ,” she said.
‘’We thought it was not survivable initially but my specialist has given me a 65 per cent chance if this trial does work.’’
Ms Freckelton said she would not have access to the new drugs without the MIR trial. She said it was great to have an annual march raising funds and awareness.
“95 per cent of melanoma is caused by sun exposure. My message would be to be sun safe. Children and adolescents especially need to because they are most at risk. I think we are good at being sun safe when we think about it but not so good at other times. Like at sporting events where you see kids running around without a hat.”
Mr Cooney’s journey and the exceptional care and support he received from MIA has inspired his sister Anne Clarke to help organise the annual Melanoma March in Wollongong.
“It is great today that Paul is actually walking with us. He has had a tough year but he is here walking with us today which is terrific,” she said.
Mrs Clarke said research into melanoma is really important because finding a cure is the best way to fight Australia’s most common cancer affecting people aged between 15 and 39.
It is also the leading cause of cancer death in the age group.
One Australian dies from melanoma every six hours, but 90 per cent of melanomas can be successfully treated if detected early.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
