Daughter of Wollongong aged care worker Nathan Madden opens up on cancer discovery heartbreak

The “heartbroken” daughter of a Wollongong aged care worker has had her “world turned upside down” after her “hero” dad suffered a fall at work before doctors realised he had cancer in his brain, lungs and kidneys.

The Madden children (Makensie, far left), have not left their dad Nathan's bedside since he had a fall at work and doctors found out he has cancer in his brain, lungs and kidneys. Pictures: GoFundMe/Supplied.

The “heartbroken” daughter of a Wollongong aged care worker has had her “world turned upside down” after her “hero” dad suffered a fall at work before doctors realised he had cancer in his brain, lungs and kidneys.

Nathan Madden, 45, was working as an Assistant In Nursing (AIN) at an aged care home in Wollongong in the state’s Illawarra region when he had a fall at the facility early last week.

Upon being admitted to the hospital, doctors discovered tumours in his brain, lungs and kidneys, leaving the family completely shattered.

Daughter Makensie, who has since launched a fundraiser for her dad, says the family is now “facing a battle we never could imagine”.

“Our world was turned upside down last week when we learned our dad has cancer in his brain, lungs, and kidneys,” she said.

Nathan, 45, is the “rock” of the Madden family. Pictures: GoFundMe/Supplied.

“My dad was AIN in aged care up until he had his fall last Tuesday where he was taken to hospital to look for injuries from the fall but instead was met with this heartbreaking news.”

Makensie said her dad is a “caregiver by nature...but beyond that, he’s the rock of our family”.

“He’s a devoted father to my older brother, Lachlan myself, and my younger brother, Riley, who has autism and is non-verbal and who shares an unbreakable bond with my dad.

“Riley depends on him in ways only a father can truly understand. Myself and Lachlan are also struggling to cope with the thought of the struggles ahead for us all,” she said.

“Despite his own pain, my dad has never stopped being there for Riley and for all of us.

“Dad isn’t just our hero – he’s loved by everyone who knows him. He’s the man who always puts others first, the one who lifts people up when they need it most. And is always up for a beer and a laugh with his mates down the local – it’s now our turn to lift him up.”

Nathan underwent brain surgery this week in an attempt to remove the malignant tumours. Pictures: GoFundMe/Supplied.

This week, Nathan underwent brain surgery to remove a number of tumours, in which will be the “first of many” procedures, Makensie said.

“My dad is no longer able to work due to limited mobility as the tumours are effecting his strength and balance in his legs and arms, the weight of medical bills, treatments, and everyday expenses is going to be overwhelming and difficult to maintain.

“More than anything, we just want to give our dad the best chance to fight this. We got you Dad, there’s an army behind you every step of the way xxx.”

The GoFundMe has notched up more than $4000 in donations.