Help fight cancer, join Redcliffe Relay for Life

Cancer survivor John Miesen knows the toll cancer takes on families and the importance of supporting them, raising awareness and working hard to find a cure. That’s why he’s become the “face” of this year’s Redcliffe Relay For Life event on October 12.

Redcliffe's face for the Relay for Life John Miesen

CANCER survivor John Miesen knows the toll cancer takes on families and the importance of supporting them, raising awareness and working hard to find a cure.

That’s why the Redcliffe resident is sharing his story and has become the “face” of this year’s Redcliffe Relay For Life event on October 12.

He’s had a long battle with lung cancer after quitting smoking in 2010.

In 2011, John had surgery on his left lung, as well as three months of chemotherapy. At the time, the prognosis was good and the chemotherapy was simply a preventive measure. In 2015, he had more surgery, this time on his right lung, and didn’t require chemotherapy.

Ready for the Relay for Life at Redcliffe.

Sadly, during this second bout of cancer, John lost his stepdaughter to cancer at the age of 47.

“The pain of that loss will never go away,” he recalls.

“Cancer attacks in many ways and the symptoms vary. So most importantly, I know it is up to each of us to do whatever is required to catch it early, before it can take hold.” Last year, John required a third surgery to remove another cancerous lump.

Again, the surgery went well, but he realises that having had so much of his lungs removed, if cancer does show up in his lungs again, surgery might not be an option.

“At 70 years of age and looking back, I now understand how grateful I need to be to the people, organisations and caregivers who battle this insidious disease and support those affected by it,” he says.

Relay For Life is a fundraising challenge held in support of Cancer Council Queensland that brings the community together to raise awareness of cancer and fight back against the disease by raising money. As the “face” of the relay, John will lead other survivors and their carers on a lap to officially open the event on October 12, at Pelican Park, Clontarf.

Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan says John is passionate about raising awareness and reaching out to support locals who are affected by cancer.

“That is what Relay For Life is all about,” Chris says.

“By joining John at Redcliffe’s Relay For Life, you will give hope to all locals affected by cancer and help us get one step closer to a cancer-free future.

Visit relayforlife.org.au for details

REDCLIFFE RELAY FOR LIFE

What: Community relay to remember those lost to cancer, honour cancer survivors and raise money for education, support and research

Where: Pelican Park, Clontarf

When: October 12

Registration: Early bird special is $30 for adults and $15 for youth. To register a team, volunteer, take part in the survivors’ and carers’ lap, visit relayforlife.org.au or phone [phone].