2 weeks Ago By Damon Cronshaw
Former Newcastle Breakers star Adam Sanderson says the values he learnt in his football career have helped him meet the challenges of cancer. Login or signup to continue reading " Football taught me a lot about mental toughness, determination and resilience," said Adam, 51. "These qualities have been invaluable during this journey.
They've helped me push through." Adam was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow - on his 50 th birthday. He and wife Kirsty will lead Myeloma Australia's "My Greatest Walk Newcastle " on Sunday at Dixon Park in Merewether.
"My husband underwent a stem cell transplant, which was an extremely gruelling process," Kirsty said. "We were fortunate to be able to do that at home as an outpatient. Adam isolated in another part of the house due to being immune-compromised from the transplant.
"We were in isolation for a month in our home." During that time, the couple's three daughters - Tiahna, 24, Abbey, 20, and Halle, 14, - did the Myeloma Australia walk on the Central Coast with family and friends as a surprise. "They Facetimed us because we were in isolation.
They said 'we're doing this to support dad'," Kirsty said. At the time, there was no myeloma walk in Newcastle so the family contacted Myeloma Australia to start their own. "We have received great support from the Newcastle community, with over 130 people registered.
" Anyone can join the walk and register on the Myeloma Australia website . Adam said the support from family and friends had been incredible. "I'm truly blessed to have four beautiful girls in my life.
My wife has been amazing. She has done extensive research on multiple myeloma," Adam said. "I've also received incredible support from the football community - former teammates, coaches and friends have all rallied around me, which has meant a lot.
" Adam acknowledged the Calvary Mater for "amazing care, treatment and support". He is now on maintenance therapy until the disease progresses. Other therapy options will be available.
While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, research and advances in treatment offer hope for patients. The Sanderson family held fundraisers last year, which raised more than $12,000 for Myeloma Australia. Kirsty said Adam's illness had changed the family's priorities.
"When you're faced with something at such a young age, it makes you appreciate your family and friends," she said. "It's about making memories with loved ones. We can all be a bit guilty of being caught up in day-to-day life.
" Adam's initial symptoms were tiredness, bone pain and body aches, which he thought were due to ageing. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after breaking a rib. The disease causes weakened bones and increased risk of fractures.
"He had scans which showed lytic lesions that are like holes in his spine, ribs and pelvis," Kirsty said. About 20,000 people in Australia live with myeloma and 2600 people a year are diagnosed with the condition, including about 110 people in Hunter New England. "They say it's mainly caused by exposure to environmental factors, but they don't exactly know," Kirsty said.
The walk starts at 9am on Sunday. It will go from Dixon Park Beach to Merewether Ocean Baths and back, followed by morning tea. Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition.
Email: [email protected] Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition.
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