Rare but Real: A Dad’s Courageous Journey

Earlier this year, Chris’s life changed when he was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma. The tumour was present in his palate, sinus, and nasal area, and he had to undergo life-changing major surgery to remove it, followed by radiotherapy. Facing these unknowns was terrifying, but throughout the process, Chris had a great medical team supporting him every step of the way.

Through it all, his family especially his daughters became his greatest source of strength. 

“As a dad, nothing prepares you for the tough moments in life — but seeing how my girls have handled everything has moved me more than words can say,” Chris reflects. “They’ve understood what I’m going through and carried themselves with strength, love, and maturity well beyond their years. They’ve stood by me, and more importantly, they’ve supported their mum in ways that only daughters with truly beautiful hearts could. I’m so proud of them — not just for how they’ve handled this, but for who they are. I couldn’t be more grateful or more proud to be their father.”

Their courage has kept Chris moving forward. “Seeing them hold such strength kept me going through my hardest days. On the days I wanted to give up, their love, support, and even just their smiles meant everything.”

Chris is quick to point out that he hasn’t faced this journey alone. His wife Laura and sister Tammy have been his greatest supporters from the very beginning. Laura works as a hairdresser, and the salon where she spends her days has become more than just a workplace, it’s a community that has rallied around them both.

Together, Laura and her colleagues decided to take part in the City to Bay run. Inspired by Chris’s courage, they’re running not only for him, but for every person and family affected by sarcoma. Their goal is to raise awareness, generate funds for vital research, and show solidarity with all those fighting this disease.

For Chris, the mission is deeply personal. “Going through sarcoma has changed my life in ways I never imagined. It’s a rare and aggressive cancer and when you’re first faced with it, the unknowns can be terrifying. That’s why having answers quickly meant so much to me. It gave me clarity, hope, and a way forward. But I know not everyone gets that. Sarcoma is rare, underfunded, and life changing. It doesn’t just affect the body it impacts families, futures, and everything in between. That’s why I’m passionate about raising awareness. Fundraisers, research, and support — they offer answers, fuel hope, and bring us closer to better treatments, and one day, a cure. If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone or helps raise just $1 to support someone else’s fight, then it’s worth it.”

Chris’s journey with sarcoma has been challenging, but with Laura and their daughters by his side and a team of supporters running in his name they are helping raise awareness and funds for this rare disease.

@RareButReal2025 was created to support sarcoma research, advocacy, and awareness. Using their own story to improve outcomes for others is truly selfless and inspiring. Thank you to this incredible family and their community for leading the way.

You can support their fundraising page, contribute to the hairdressers’ City to Bay run, or follow their page @RareButReal2025 to stay updated.