Ballarat dad Joel Banks’ battle with cancer

A Ballarat dad is determined to be the best husband and father he can be despite months of chemotherapy ahead of him.

Erin, Hudson, and Joel Banks, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer just after his wedding. Photo: GoFundMe

A Ballarat dad is facing three months of chemotherapy in the lead-up to his son’s first birthday.

Joel Banks, an ex-St Patrick’s boy, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in February 2019, two months after his wedding to Erin.

An operation which removed an aggressive tumour preceded the couple’s six-week honeymoon to the US.

But when they got back, check-ups revealed lumps in Joel’s chest, and it was determined he had a disease named sarcoidosis.

Soon after, aided by IVF, Erin gave birth to Hudson Banks.

Joel and Erin with their son Hudson.

Joel and Hudson.

But recent scans showed Joel had another tumour, this time in the stomach.

Within the next few weeks, he will begin several rounds of chemotherapy in what an online fundraiser set up by his sister called the family’s “fight of their lives”.

As for Joel, he said it was the fear of the unknown and having to battle yet another tumour that had him concerned – but mainly for the effect it might have on him as a husband and father.

“I’m not that stressed out,” he said.

“It’s more about disappointment I suppose.

“Obviously not being the best father or husband I can be: I’ve got this image of Hudson on his first birthday and I’m weak – it’s not something I’m looking forward to.”

The Banks family.

He called it a “poor situation for everyone”, as the people around him would have to alter their lifestyles to help out.

About the fundraiser, which at the time of writing had attracted more than $10,600 in donations, Joel said he was overwhelmed with the support not only from Ballarat residents, but from old university mates and other friends.

“It’s pleasing to know that people have got my back,” he said.

Erin, who has worked at a Ballarat school for 12 years, is considering taking leave from work to look after the family, including 10-month-old Hudson.

“I was meant to return to work after finishing maternity leave, but with Covid, influenza, and everything that’s going on we’re probably thinking it’s not going to be the safest option to come home to a chemo patient,” she said.

Joel thought a holiday would be in order following his chemotherapy.