Sarcoma Stories

Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Aidyn Clements was a 22 year old full-time nursing student and working mum. She was engaged to her “soulmate” Matt, whom she had been with since she was 16. She lived in Burnie, Tasmania, and being a mother to her two young boys, aged 1 and 4 was her dream, her life was busy, but purposeful. 

Tayla was a normal 21-year-old, working and studying to be a nurse, when she found a lump on her back. Her GP thought it was most likely a broken rib slightly out of place and gave Tayla a referral for a CT scan. She didn’t go at first because it didn’t seem alarming, until her mum had a gut instinct that something was wrong.

Throughout 2020, Sam noticed subtle, unusual sensations in his body, particularly in his lungs. They weren't severe, just “a bit odd.” Then, in December, he found a small lump in his neck. Encouraged by his mum to get it checked out, he visited the doctor and was told it was most likely a viral infection.

“Everything just seems happy and perfect, and then all of a sudden that picture perfect world has been shattered by the fact that you've now been diagnosed with cancer.”

This is Adele Krantz’s story on her journey with a desmoid tumour, a rare non-cancerous growth that invades muscles and organs. 

“Cancer certainly had its way with my family”, Nicole said. 

Nicole’s son lost his battle with brain cancer which inspired her daughter to become a doctor, and Nicole to become a nurse. 

However, on the 8th of December 2024, Nicole was sitting on the couch when she discovered a mysterious lump in her thigh, and she knew as soon as she felt it that it was not good. 

Deployed in the Middle East with the New Zealand Defence Force, Sergeant Matthew Cameron-Glaze initially thought that his rapid muscle growth was simply the result of frequent gym sessions.

On this Rare Disease Day which also happens to be Julia's birthday, 6-year old Eleanor is doing something very special. 

In memory of her friend and favourite teacher, Julia, Eleanor is donating her hair to be made into wigs for children with cancer. 

On World Cancer Day, we remember those we have lost and stand beside those still fighting.

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.

Tessa McHugh is a bright and vibrant young woman who works as a Provisional Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist, helping children heal through play. You’d never guess that just a matter of years ago, she was battling a rare cancer. 

If you met Dean Frerk down the footy field on a Saturday, he’d probably chew your ear off about the Brisbane Lions winning the Grand Final, or who he is tipping to win next season – (The Lions). He might try and persuade you to go for a run with him the next morning, or chat about how his daughter Caitlyn was going. What he probably wouldn’t mention is that he has only just recovered from a battle with sarcoma spanning 14 years.

Running a marathon is no small feat it takes time, training, and mental strength. But for Sophie a young medical student from Cairns, the reason behind the run makes every step worth it. This year, she’s taking on 7Cairns marathon festival in honour of her close friend Hudson, who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in 2020.