In August 2004 my father in law Gary Heath suffered a seizure and was later diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma (Brain Tumor) in the right fontal lobe close to his optic nerve.

In September 2004 Gary underwent surgery a full Craniotomy where majority of the tumor was removed, a small amount was left as removal of the entire tumor could have left Gary with no motor skills and live in a wheel chair. Gary then started Chemotherapy in October 2004, the next few years Gary continued to see the surgeon and Oncologist for regular check ups and MRI Scans to check if the tumor had grown back.

In March 2012 a change was found in Gary's MRI Scan as the tumor had regrown in different areas of the brain. Gary underwent 3 months of Chemotherapy which stopped the growth of the tumor but didn't reduce the size of the tumor. Gary then underwent radiation therapy for 6 weeks this caused the tumor to shrink in size but again the tumor cannot be 100% due to the location of the tumor.

Gary will continue having quarterly visits to the surgeon to have MRI scans to check that the tumor hasn't grown back.

Gary is the type of person who doesn't like to make a fuss and throughout his treatment Gary continued his daily job of grounds keeper at the Lyell McEwin Hospital where the patients and staff needs are above his own. On most days Gary would have his treatment before work in the mornings and then off to work he would go after his treatment. 

Gary looks at life differently now, since suffering with this disease he now enjoys time out with friends and family for holidays and no longer sweats the small things "Nothing phases me anymore".

To many people are being faced with this devastating diagnosis each year - brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and five year survival remains low at just 18.8 %.

Help us to raise as much money as possible, All moneys raised will be donated to the Neurosurgical Research Foundation (NRF) where the researchers are looking for ways to improve treatments which can saves lives of children and adults living with neurosurgical and neurological conditions.