Allen Danvers` Story - Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation

3 out of every 10
Australians will be
diagnosed with cancer in
their lifetime
Allen Danvers’ Story
I remember so well the looks on their faces. The disbelief. The pain in their eyes. The deafening silence.
This time Dad can’t fix it. It’s a memory that haunts me. It’s a memory that still brings me to tears.
“I’ve been fortunate in enjoying a good life. I grew up in
Wynnum, married Linda (a local Wynnum girl) and was blessed
with 3 children who grew into adults I am so proud of.
My work has followed many interesting paths which rewarded
me with knowledge, friendships and greatly appreciated
experiences. I’ve worked in construction, oil refineries, the
computer industry, tourism operations, boat building, facilities
management and, more recently, with the Queensland
Museum.
This Winter help us win the race against cancer
If you have ever taken any type of medicine or
been treated for an illness then you have
benefited from medical research. It can take
many years and millions of dollars to develop a
treatment from an initial idea to a safe
treatment in patients.
Founded in 2005 the Gallipoli Medical
Research Foundation exists to find
cures, treatments and preventions of
incurable diseases affecting the health
of veterans, patients of Greenslopes
Private Hospital and the wider Australian
community giving hope to those in pain and
afflicted by life threatening and chronic conditions.
Led by Associate Professor Andrew Nicol and
Professor Darrell Crawford the Foundation has
achieved major milestones in research and
development into cancer treatments and liver
disease. A number of clinical trials are currently
being conducted into colon, ovarian and hepatic
cancer, melanoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma,
liver disease, and pain control.
The Foundation does not receive regular government
funding and relies on public community donations to
continue its invaluable research. All donations of $2
or more are tax deductible.
To make a donation today  (07) 3394 7284 or
donate online at www.gallipoliresearch.com.au
I’ve so many interests it’s a wonder I have time for them all. I
love soccer and have played at State level, enjoy the occasional
round of golf, and have a passion for aeromodelling. With help
from my Dad and a shared passion with my younger brother
this developed into Radio Control aircraft. I am still actively
involved in one of the largest clubs in Australia. Travelling and
motorcycling are also high on the list – but most of all, I’m a
family man.
Like so many men, I have always been a hard nut about my
health. Through years of football and motorcycle accidents
I always recovered quickly. Beat the doctors, prove you
can recover early – broken bones and bruises were simply
inconvenient. Colds, flu, random illness? Take the medicine…..
get over it!
Strong and defiant I never gave up. I showed no fear. I was the
one who promised my young children I would always be there
to protect them.
But that was all about to change. I was no longer in control. The
truth was that for the first time in my life, I was afraid.
A simple shaving nick, a series of niggling infections, a bout of
shingles then a mysterious nose bleed. Diagnosis? Myeloma.
How could all this add up to cancer?
I had no idea how to cope with the news. A fatal disease; a
treatment plan; possible cure in the future; a new doctor
to work with; work; family; the financial implications; our
plans for the future. Everything was thrown into a sea of
unanswerable questions that flooded me from every angle.
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Around 1200 Australians will be diagnosed with myeloma
this year.
Bone marrow tests confirmed the disease was rampant. The
cancer had started attacking the inside of my bones. We had
caught it before any significant damage had been done, but the
residue from it had already begun to badly affect my kidneys.
Treatment could not be delayed or renal damage would be so
severe that permanent ongoing dialysis would become a fact
of life. The disease would slowly erode my bones, destroying
my kidneys as well.
And so it began.
The chemotherapy was complicated, unpleasant and
strenuous. Nausea, insomnia, mouth ulcers, sore feet, extreme
fatigue, shingles, even my eyesight suffered a little. Clinical
trials of new pharmaceutical lines were added into the mix – I
was so frustrated with my lack of control over this illness! But
worse was still to come. Stem cell harvesting, bone marrow
transplant, they seem like an old dream now.
At times now depression walks with me.
My body doesn’t handle stress the same any more. I became
exhausted for days on end. I needed to pull back or risk a
relapse. Hoping to get back to work after the first stint, I
realised my priorities had to shift. Me first, family and friends
next, work somewhere after them.
At the moment, thanks to the dedication of Associate
Professor Andrew Nicol, and his team at the Gallipoli Medical
Research Centre, I have been given breathing space. My
health has generally recovered close to where it was before
treatment.
The severe damage to my bones and kidneys has been halted.
Lifestyle changes are taking place. I’m balancing life, ongoing
treatment and activities in a way which will allow my body and
mind to rebuild after all the treatment – but it truly is a fine
balancing act.
I’m assured treatments are improving. New clinical trials
are planned and there is hope there will be a significant
breakthrough in finding a treatment, which will give an
absolute cure for myeloma for people like me and thousands of
others living with this cruel disease.
My family and I live with this hope. We have a great team
looking after us.
We trust them with my life.
Right now, we’re working on that bucket list – the important
things to do today; in our lifetime. I want to enjoy my life, my
family, and contribute to the community in a positive way. But
so much hinges on new treatments, lifesaving breakthroughs,
and the tireless dedication of the true heroes of this world –
medical researchers.
Statistics tell us that you or someone you know may develop
myeloma, so I ask you to put yourselves in our shoes. With
your help and support, cures and treatments will be achieved
sooner.”
Here at the Gallipoli Medical Research
Foundation we have the expertise, we
have the facilities, but what we lack are
the funds to run new clinical trials. To do a
complete and worthwhile trial and study on
a qualified group of myeloma patients will
need $300,000.
Your donation may help to save Allen’s life or
the life of someone in your own family.
So if you can, please give today!
Myeloma Facts
Myeloma (also known as Multiple Myeloma) is a cancer of
plasma cells.
Myeloma cells formulate in the bone marrow.
Myeloma tumours can accumulate in different parts of the
body, particularly in the bone marrow and on the surfaces
of different bones in the body.
Around 1200 people will be diagnosed with Myeloma in
Australia this year.
Symptoms include:
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bone pain, usually felt in the back or the ribs
Persistent tiredness and fatigue
Frequent or repeated infections
Increased bleeding or bruising
93% of patients diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of
50 although it has been reported in children and adolescents.
Myeloma is more common in men, than women.
While treatments can help to control Myeloma, there is
currently no known cure.