Gold Coast 19 year old Thomas Glendenning dying of incurable bone cancer

This Gold Coast teen thought he was cancer-free after having three ribs and part of his lung removed. But now he is drafting a dream bucket list following news his incurable bone cancer was back and would ultimately claim his life.

Gold Coast teenager Thomas Glendenning thought he was cancer free after having three ribs and part of his lung removed, but now the incurable bone cancer has returned with vengeance.

He was only 17 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer (Ewing Sarcoma) in March 2020.

His family was travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane constantly for his treatment which included undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to remove a tumour.

His mother Kelly Wilkinson said the tumour was on one of his ribs and his lungs.

“He had to have three of his ribs removed along with parts of his lungs to fully get rid of the cancer,” she said.

After being in remission for less than a year, his family was dealt a devastating blow when he was told the cancer was back and this time it was terminal.

The cancer is now in Thomas’ jaw, skull, shoulders, knees, and ribs.

In a beautiful move, his mother Kelly Wilkinson launched a GoFundMe to raise money for her now 19-year-old son to tick items off his bucket list.

“Thomas has only been given 12-18 months left,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“Over the last few years, it has been really tough to watch Thomas grow from a strong healthy young teen to live his life independently to now succumbing to a terminal illness that will take his life so young.

“Unfortunately there is no research in further treatment that has any success, it is not curable.

“All they can offer him is three weeks of chemotherapy for the pain.”

Ms Wilkinson said despite the life-changing diagnosis, her son has retained his positive outlook.

“He’s been so positive with everything that’s going on,” she said.

“Thomas told me it is what it is and that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

“He’s handling this way better than me and is teaching me new things every day.”

Thomas was completing Year 12 at Eleanora State High School when he received his first diagnosis in 2020.

He was a surf life safer at the Pacific Surf Club on the Gold Coast, spent his free time surfing and swimming with family and mates, and had dreams of being an electrician and personal trainer.

Gold Coast teenager Thomas Glendenning thought he was cancer free after having three ribs and part of his lung removed, but now the incurable bone cancer has returned with vengeance. Photo: Contributed.

“Thankfully he was able to graduate high school even if he was bald at graduation,” his mother said.

“He was enrolled to become a sparky and had started the pre-course.

“Last year he was also working to be a PT and only has one assignment left. Hopefully he’ll be able to do that but we’ll have to see how we go.”

According to his mum, Thomas is your typical laid-back Aussie teenager.

“He’s just so happy and bubbly. He really could have a chat with anyone,” she said.

“And not much bothers him.

“It’s all just been so devastating and overwhelming. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much.”

Since the recent terminal diagnosis, Thomas has started putting together a bucket list for the little time he has left.

“Since school camps, he has loved the snow and wants to explore more white snow in New Zealand and go snowboarding and bungee jumping at Taupo,” his mother said.

Gold Coast teenager Thomas Glendenning had been in remission for less than 30 days, when he was told he only had months to live after his incurable bone cancer returned with vengeance. Photo - GoFundMe.

“He wants to skydive so many times to be able to do it without tandem. He made a wish, on Juice TV in hospital, to go to the Great Barrier Reef and I would love for him to be able to go and scuba dive and explore one of our great wonders of the world with his brothers.

“He wants to catch a large fish out in the deep sea. Do aerobatic flights, helicopter ride to O’Reilly’s Rainforest, jet boat rides, and other adrenaline activities. Even ride a golf buggy on a posh golf course.”

Thomas has been unable to work while undergoing cancer treatment, attending doctors’ appointments, and travelling to hospitals.

“Thomas is my middle son out of five boys and I have also not been able to work much during this time, as I am a single parent,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“We would love to make lasting memories with his family as he doesn’t have much time left.”

Ms Wilkinson said any donations would go towards to making Thomas’ last few months count.

“Thomas is the kindest, most caring, and amazing helpful young person that goes out his way to help others,” his mother said.

“I just want to give him a special last few months.”

Originally published as Gold Coast 19 year old Thomas Glendenning dying of incurable bone cancer