Indigenous artist Norm Stanley diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer

Indigenous artist Norm Stanley has received a devastating cancer diagnosis as the Geelong community rallies to support his family.

Norm Stanley has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Picture: Brad Fleet

An Indigenous artist known for proudly sharing his culture, with the Geelong community is facing the fight of his life.

Norm Stanley was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer two days before Christmas. The cancer has now spread to the his bones, leaving him wheelchair bound.

The father-of-five said he presented to Geelong hospital’s emergency department on December 22 after experiencing pain in his left side.

“I came in to check on some pain that wasn’t going anywhere and only getting worse,” Mr Stanley said.

“We thought it was maybe kidney stones.”

The reality was far worse.

In the early hours of December 23, the 46-year-old was diagnosed with cancer.

“It’s been really rough,” Mr Stanley said from his hospital bed.

He is waiting on surgery for leg stabilisation and pain management.

After surgery, he is likely to undergo targeted radiation.

“Not knowing what anything ahead of today is going to bring … that is probably the hardest thing,” he said.

Mr Stanley married his wife, Nikki Stanley, on November 5 last year and received the devastating news only 48 days after tying the knot.

Norm Stanley is known for generously sharing his passion for his culture. Photo: Ginger + Mint

After surgery, Mr Stanley plans to travel to the Northern Territory with his wife and children to spend time on country.

“For me, to be able to be treated (at Geelong hospital) … and then to be able to go onto country with my people and receive healing there as well is the kind of balance we need to make sure we are allowed to continue to do,” he said.

“Those practices are an important part of holistic health and they need to work together.

“To have my family there … is going to be the most important part.”

A Go Fund Me page has been established to help support the family with medical bills and daily expenses.

Both Mr and Mrs Stanley are self-employed and are not able to work during this time.

As of Wednesday, more than $16,000 had been donated with a planned art auction expected to help raise more funds.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Simon Flagg said the community would continue to rally around Mr Stanley and his family.

“Norm has given so generously of his wisdom and shared our culture with so many, and now is the time for everyone who has been touched by his spirit to support him and his family on their journey,” he said.

Mrs Stanley said her family was “incredibly thankful” for the support from the community.

“They are helping make this an easier journey,” she said.

“It lights my spirit to know there are so many people willing to give.”

Mr Stanley had a key message to share with the community.

“Listen to your body,” he said.

“If you get results that say you are fit and healthy yet you don’t feel it, question it.

“Get a second opinion, do not dismiss it.

“Do not end up in this position.”

To support Mr Stanley and his family, head to gofundme.com/supporting-norm-and-his-family-on-their-journey.

To donate to the upcoming art auction, email [e-mail]

Originally published as Indigenous artist Norm Stanley diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer