Cancer survivor Joe Surace reflects on his long journey through chronic pain, a multitude of doctor visits and tests, that eventually led to hearing the words “you have cancer,” as he takes on the title of Sunshine Coast Face of Relay.
Joe is honoured to lead the proceedings on Saturday 8 October at the 2022 Sunshine Coast Relay For Life event, a Cancer Council Queensland movement created to raise awareness and funds for cancer care in local communities.
Mr Surace’s cancer journey began in 2013, when he wrote off his back pain as a product of his work, but by early 2014, the pain couldn’t be ignored.
A multitude of tests yielded no answers, and it was during a trip to the Middle East with his wife that he hit his breaking point.
“I remember being in the famous underground Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and pain was shooting up my back and down my leg. It got so bad I had to leave,” Mr Surace said.
Upon his return home, tests continued to yield no answers for Joe.
By May of 2014, after being rushed to emergency for the pain, Joe was sent for an MRI, and the source of the pain was revealed – cancer.
Mr Surace’s health went downhill quickly, and he was back in hospital days later
“That was the start of a marathon 133 days straight in hospital. When I got there, they told me if I hadn’t rushed in, I would’ve been dead in the next few days,” he said.
Mr Surace was diagnosed with embryonic germ cell metastatic carcinoma, which had started as testicular cancer, then spread to his lymph nodes. The cancer had spread through 80 per cent of his liver, and his kidneys were starting to fail.
The treatment prescribed was aggressive, and many doctors warned Mr Surace he might not survive it. The alternative to treatment was a prognosis of one to three weeks to live.
“I survived the chemo, but along the way my body became incredibly weak and frail,” he said.
“In 2015, I had surgery to remove problem lymph nodes and one testicle. It was an extremely risky nine-hour operation, but once again, I survived.”
Mr Surace is still recovering, getting stronger by the day, and is eternally grateful that he had his wife, Caroline, and a great support network by his side, caring for him throughout this journey.
As the face of the Sunshine Coast Relay, Mr Surace will stand alongside fellow survivors and carers to support those going through a cancer experience, recognise and celebrate cancer survivors, and honour and remember loved ones lost.
This year, the Sunshine Coast Relay For Life Committee is aiming to raise $44,000 to support Cancer Council Queensland’s cancer research, prevention programs and support services.
Cancer Council Queensland general manager Meaghan Bush said this year’s Relay For Life would be a truly special event.
“By joining forces with Mr Surace at the Sunshine Coast event, you will help us get one step closer to a cancer free future,” she said.
Relay For Life is an event for everyone – no matter your age, or fitness level, you can get involved and make a difference.
To find out more or to register visit relayforlife.org.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.
