Sunshine Coast dad of two, surfer, Kelly Smith, fights terminal brain cancer

A Sunshine Coast father and surf school owner is determined to extend the precious months he has left with his beloved family after having a mandarin-sized brain tumour cut out.

Sunshine Coast dad of two, surfer, Kelly Smith, fights terminal brain cancer

Kelly Smith’s life revolved around surfing, and his beautiful wife and children, before it all came crashing down around him.

The 49-year-old Sunshine Coast father of two has been plunged into the darkness of a terminal cancer battle.

The surf school owner is now on a mission to extend his last wave.

He hopes to have new experiences while also taking his time to bathe in the glow and warmth of daily moments with his loved ones.

Fit, healthy, and with no previous health issues, Mr Smith was suffering from persistent and painful headaches in August this year.

His GP referred him for a scan. They found a large lesion on his brain.

Kelly Smith runs a surf school. Picture – contributed.

It took two ambulance rides and an MRI for doctors to confirm there was a mandarin-sized tumour on Mr Smith’s right temporal lobe.

He was rushed into surgery. The tumour was removed and the matter tested.

Everyone’s worst fears were realised when Mr Smith was eventually diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, grade 4, glioblastoma.

Neurosurgeons said Mr Smith had three months to two years left.

Mr Smith’s best friend since high school, Jamie Beal, said it was a crushing blow for the Eumundi family.

“We can’t cure it. There’s no cure,” he said.

“The plan is to try and improve his quality of life and maybe extend it a bit.

“We’re actively looking for medical trials and experimental treatments. Anything to compliment his radiation and chemo … abroad or in Australia … anything to help and give him more time.”

Kelly, Casey, Reef and Isla Smith. Picture – contributed.

Mr Beal said his mate had accepted his diagnosis with grace and stayed positive throughout it all.

“Time with his family is everything to him,” he said.

“He wants to be here with his children and wife. To have new experiences with them but also to enjoy the everyday moments … with friends and family.

“For him it’s all about cherishing what he loves most.

“He’s been handling it so well with a good attitude.”

While the surgery bought him some more time it also severely impacted Mr Smith’s vision.

Kelly Smith after brain surgery. Picture – contributed.

“He says it’s like everything looks darker. Like it’s 6pm on dusk and a bit fuzzy,” Mr Beal said.

“The chemo has also knocked him around a bit. Lots of fatigue.

“It’s all been really hard for him and his loved ones.

“He was fit, healthy, active, ate well, looked after himself, has a successful business, a happy marriage and family, and lots of friends … he did all of the right things. It was just all very unfortunate … just random.

“He’s very positive but I know he also puts on a brave face. It’s been devastating. Very tough on him and everyone.”

His dearest friend said Mr Smith was known for his humour and loyalty.

Kelly and Casey Smith. Picture – contributed.

“He’s got a great sense of humour and is always up for a laugh,” Mr Beal said.

“Kelly is a loyal mate, loves to hangout with his friends, loves his family, is down to earth, a great dad, is very close with his kids, and loves surfing and golf.”

Mr Smith has lived on the Sunshine Coast for more than 15 years with his wife Casey and their children Reef and Isla Smith.

Mr and Mrs Smith have been together for nearly 30 years.

Mr Smith owns and remotely operates Central Coast Surf School on The Central Coast of NSW where he grew up and went to school with Mr Beal. The successful surf school has been running for more than 25 years.

You can support Mr Smith here.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Your support will provide hope and relief to a family fighting the hardest battle of their lives,” Mr Beal said.

“Thank you, in advance, from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast dad of two, surfer, Kelly Smith, fights terminal brain cancer