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Nick’s army is here to stomp out blood cancer

June 25, 2018

At just 18 years of age, Nicholas Dale and family received devastating news that he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which commonly affects parts of the body such as the skin, neck and bone marrow among others.

Immediately after being diagnosed, Nicholas relocated to Sydney to undergo various types of chemotherapy and had a bone marrow transplant in June 2016. While the transplant was a success, however, Nicholas faced some medical complications and had to remain in hospital, and was released after 109 days.

“During treatment period, my family and I got help from the Leukaemia Foundation who provided us with an accommodation in Sydney. This has helped us significantly as it meant that my parents do not need to worry about extra financial stress and burden while looking after me,” said Nicholas.

“Having my parents and family stay with me during my treatment meant the world to me as we became a close-knit family despite the hardship we faced.”

A Wollongong native, Nicholas added: “The Leukaemia Foundation helped my family and I throughout by providing us extremely useful resources and helped us understand the illness and treatment.”

Nicholas also attributed the Leukaemia Foundation for encouraging and supporting him to get back on his feet which is why this cause is so close to him.

Cancer free since 2017, Nicholas is feeling optimistic about life and wants to help others in a similar position and who are effected by the disease.

“My goal now is to help others who are experiencing this very devastating disease and give them support that was given to me,” said Nicholas.

Nicholas and his team of family and friends, dubbed “Nick’s Army”, will be participating in the 2018 Stadium Stomp Stair Challenge in Sydney on Sunday, 1st July.

“Nick’s Army will be climbing thousands of stairs within the SCG for the Leukaemia Foundation to ensure those suffering get the support they need during tough times.”

Further to that, Nicholas aims to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation so that the organisation can continue providing care and support to blood cancer patients.

To support Nicholas’ cause and the Leukaemia Foundation, visit https://stadiumstompscg2018.gofundraise.com.au/page/NicholasDale4 to make a donation.