The Grill Team Blog
See The Vid That Brought The Grill Team To Tears Post by: The Grill Team 1 September, 2010 - 7:09 AM
The Grill Team boys were moved by Kristian's amazing video tribute to his wife Rachel, who has supported him, and continues to support him through his cancer treatment. Kristian has been fighting the cancer for the last year and continues to receive treatment.
Watch the video, which also features the Grill Team's Gussy Worland's good mate, Hugh Jackman, showing his own support.
The boys had a chat to Kristian on Wednesday when the video was first posted, replay the chat below.
Here's Kristian's story in his own words:
"Basically, I'm 35, married and have two sons - Cody (nearly 4) and Jakob (nearly 2). We live in Curl Curl on the northern beaches. Rach and I have been married for 7 years. She's from Auckland and I'm from Perth. We met in 2001 at a creative arts college we were attending. We dated for ten months, engaged for 2 months and then married in June 2003.
I was diagnosed in October 2009 after returning from the USA. The doctor's thought I had a blood clot/DVT from the air travel and scanned my lungs. It turned out there was no blood clot but they were able to see lesions on my liver so they ordered a full scan and sure enough... cancer all over my liver which had spread from a primary tumour in my bowel. Apparently this is a common travel path for bowel cancer.
I've been undergoing chemotherapy ever since... almost a year now. I'm responding well to the treatment and my cancer levels have decreased by approximately 75% since diagnosis. The chemo is hard, though I have been very fortunate and have not experienced many of the side effects that others do. No hair loss, no weight loss, healthy appetite etc. The chemo wipes me out for about a week and I'm constantly tired but I am able to work every 2 weeks out of three (self employed so it's a good thing).
I have a faith in God and believe that I will live a long life. I don't know how it's all going to work itself out though. There's not a thing I can do to get better except pray and ask God to do something and keep turning up for chemotherapy and do what the doctors ask.
I keep a blog here.
I mostly use it to keep track of my thoughts and stir myself up when I feel things getting me down. It details everything we've been through so far. I set it up mostly so people would stop calling Rachel and asking for updates. It was so hard for her to have to re-live it every time someone rang so I felt a central point of information would be a good thing."
If you think the one in two that get cancer is too many, you can join the fight against cancer by donating to the Cancer Council, link is below! For more information, visit: www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
Motorcycling NSW is another company passionate about fundraising for the Cancer Council. They're running a fundraising raffle at the moment, find out how you can join the fight against cancer on their official site!
Leave your comment
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Linda says
I understand the emotional rollercoaster this poor guy is going through.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:25 AM
Almost 4 years ago I lost my father in law to cancer and only yesterday laid to rest my mother in law (also to cancer).
Cancer it is a evil thing, and I only hope for your young family that you are able to beat it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -
Bernadette says
Well I just bawled a bucket!! The guys in the office think I'm nuts!! If I wasn't already a supporter of the Cancer Council, I would be.
Good luck to Kristian, Rachel and their beautiful boys on this journey they are on.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:26 AM -
Greg Howell says
I'm a mans man well I'd like to think. I am gonna say something I've never said before but I am deeply touched at that beautiful video
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:28 AM -
Lauren Sargent says
I just watched the video after hearing the song on radio on my way to work. I couldn't read half the signs Kristian was holding because the tears were streaming down my face. Thanks Gus for putting that on ... It highlights what is really important in life.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:45 AM
Kristian I wish you & your family health & happiness xxx -
lisa walsh says
Good Luck Kristian and Rachel, keep positive, a beautiful tribute to your love, family and commitment and I will keep you in my prayers.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:46 AM -
Laura says
Very moving from the heart, from one survivour to another to be keep up your fight keep up stay positive.
Surround yourself with positive thinkers. Kick this in the butt. You can beat this you can survive to tell the story.
Your fight is for yourself to see your boys succeed in their lives and how your fight will help them develop and grow in how they tackle life's problems. You will be amazed, they may be small but your actions will mean so much.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:48 AM -
Melissa says
Kristian you are an inspiration to all those out there in this predicament (and there are many)!
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 8:57 AM
I have been touched by cancer in my family and understand the struggle and the pain of treatment.
I lost my Grandfather to Bowel Cancer and to watch the pain on a daily basis is not easy yet alone be going through it from the other side. I am now watching my partner's family endure what I went through as his Grandfather has been diagnosed with this also.
I take my hat off to all who are fighting Cancer, those who have beaten it and those who care for those with it.
You're in my prayers. -
Karyn says
I've lost both my Grandparents to cancer. It's an insidious disease. Kristian, you are extraordinary! Rachel, you are blessed. I can only pray for the 4 of you, but from the depths of my heart I wish you both well!
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 9:00 AM -
Jan Webster says
What a wonderful message. I have finally stopped crying to write this. My husband and our family have just gone through lymphona cancer. It was the worst and the best time of our lives. With the love and support of family and friends and the help of God we got through into remission. I hope that their family can enjoy a long and healthy life from now on.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 10:06 AM
God Bless -
Kate says
I heard you this morning on the radio GOOD ON YOU for endorsing that ALL MEN should check out that little niggle they may have ...
Furthermore, I was compelled to check out yor video - WOW WHAT A PRESENT ... had to chuckle on your interview you mentioned you hadn't lost your hair - YOU SHAVE IT BALD *giggle* ... Anyway I wish you every success for health and happiness and you get to spend many wonderful years with your wife and beautiful boys.
Posted Wednesday 1 September, 2010 10:40 AM
