Join us as we talk to JK & Dave.

JK was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in early 2024. What started as a lump he assumed was a cyst quickly turned into a whirlwind of intensive chemotherapy, marathon training between treatment cycles, finding purpose through a simple question to a nurse: “What can people do to help?”, a moment that led to the creation of How Bloody Good - a campaign encouraging eligible people to donate blood and raising awareness around its importance. With over 450 donations so far and a goal of 500, JK’s impact continues to grow. He also recently shaved his head for the World's Greatest Shave, raising nearly $2,000.

Joined by Dave, his haematologist and the brother of JK’s close friend—we hear how JK became a bright light on the ward, even pedalling through chemo on an exercise bike, setting a 30km PB, and inspiring other patients around him. Despite his physical recovery, JK shares openly about the mental lag that lingers: the challenges with cognitive function, returning to work, and the anxiety that comes with it.

Now working four days a week with Fridays reserved to reset and be present as a dad, JK reminds us that just because someone looks back to normal, doesn’t mean they’re fully there yet. This is a story about grit, purpose, and the power of showing up with energy that’s hard to put into words.

LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/howbloodygood/

https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we talk to Em Lahey.

Em was fit, healthy, and thriving at the peak of her career. After experiencing persistent sinusitis symptoms and headaches, she was shocked to learn she had a 4x6x7cm mass in her sinus. The diagnosis: NUT Carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. She was told the cancer didn’t respond well to treatment and was given a life expectancy of just 6–9 months. The tumor was inoperable, and after chemotherapy proved ineffective, she underwent radiotherapy and began immunotherapy to try to keep the disease stable.

Genomic testing eventually offered a glimmer of hope, a targeted treatment that wasn’t initially accessible in Australia until all other options had been exhausted. Em finally qualified for the drug and has now been on it for three years, making her the longest-standing patient on the treatment. As a side effect of radiation, she lost vision in her left eye - something she describes as more challenging than the cancer itself, as it’s a constant, daily reminder.

Em has been a dedicated sargent in the army for 15 years however has been off work on medical leave for the last few years. She applied for the ADF Adaptive Sports Program, which led to her selection for the 2024 Warrior Games in Florida. Earlier this year, she proudly represented Australia at the Invictus Games in Canada, competing in rowing, swimming, wheelchair curling, alpine skiing, and skeleton.

In 2024, Em was the subject of The Time to Live exhibition by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. She offered a powerful and intimate experience as she auctioned minutes of her remaining time, highlighting the irreplaceable value of time and raising awareness for cancer research.

Em’s sense of humor and reflections on life’s sliding doors moments reveal her deep perspective and resilience. Her story is about truly living. She’s not done yet, there’s still so much she’s determined to experience and achieve.

LINKS

https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/

https://www.acrf.com.au/time-to-live/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcT7nV205Q

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we talk to Jo Newton.

Jo had just moved to Ireland for a 6 month placement while completing her PhD on teenage pregnancy in sheep when she began experiencing persistent bloating and fatigue. A visit to a GP who truly listened led to a colonoscopy and then, the life altering words: “You have bowel cancer,” delivered the week of her 30th birthday.

She underwent treatment, and just as she began to look ahead and plan for the future, Jo was diagnosed with lymphoedema—a lifelong, incurable condition.

Jo speaks candidly about navigating a cancer diagnosis at such a young age and the physical and emotional toll it has taken. With bowel cancer being one of the most deadliest cancers among Australians aged 25-44, Jo now channels her experience into advocacy, raising awareness about bowel cancer and the need for more research. She was also selected as one of 50 young people to take part in the Call on Canberra.

LINKS

https://www.ncsr.gov.au/information-for-participants/request-a-free-bowel-test-kit.html

https://cancerat30.home.blog/about-me/

https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.