A Queensland family’s life was thrown into chaos and desperate worry after a devastating diagnosis.
Anthony Anderson, from Mackay, felt a pain in his stomach after dinner one night, but what could have been indigestion turned out to be the worst news possible.
Just three weeks ago, Mr Anderson, who is a volunteer rugby league referee, learned he had stage four bowel cancer and a secondary tumour in his brain.
The Air Force veteran had just started a new job and was enjoying life with his partner Madi Jeffries and their children Hallie, 4, and Ollie, 6.
“My most important message to anyone is to get tested, bowel cancer is a silent killer,” Jeffries said. Townsville Bulletin.
To help the family, friend Emma Price has created a GoFundMe “as Anthony’s diagnosis has put enormous financial pressure on them.”
“The costs of medical treatments, hospital visits and other associated expenses are high,” Price wrote on the fundraising page.
‘In addition, the cost of living remains a challenge as the family tries to maintain some sense of normalcy for their young children.’
Anthony Anderson is pictured with his partner Madi Jeffries and their children Hallie and Ollie.
“It’s absolutely devastating. He’s 42 years old. It came out of nowhere.”
Ms Price said she and her husband Nathan, owners of Get Real Workwear and Safety Australia, where Madi worked, had known her for 15 years.
“She’s like family to us… when all this happened, it really shook us,” he said.
To add insult to injury, Ms Jeffries’ mother left her job to move to Mackay to help with the children while Mr Anderson was being treated in hospital, but then she too became seriously ill.
She suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital, where doctors managed to save her life.
Just days later, Anthony and Madi had to return to Townsville, 386 kilometres north of Mackay, so that the tumour could be removed at Townsville Hospital.
Ms Price said she and her family were overwhelmed with the response to the fundraiser, which as of Friday evening had raised $17,480.
“Anthony has always been the backbone of his family and a pillar of our community… his life took an unexpected turn that none of us could have foreseen,” she wrote.
“A minor stomach ache led to a devastating diagnosis. This news has come as a complete shock to his family and friends, and it is now more urgent than ever to provide them with support at this unimaginable time.”
Anthony Anderson, who has been diagnosed with stage four cancer, is pictured with his partner Madi Jeffries
One night after dinner, Mr Anderson (pictured) felt a pain in his stomach. It turned out to be cancer.
All funds raised will help pay for Mr. Anderson’s medical treatments, the family’s living expenses while the couple is unable to work, and child support.
In an update on her partner’s condition, Ms Jeffries wrote: “And so Anthony was taken to what will likely be his biggest hurdle on this journey.
‘Today Anthony is undergoing brain surgery to remove a secondary tumor… not something I thought I’d ever have to say, but here we are.
“Now we just have to wait to see if he’s safe on the other side. In the words of his cap… FUCK THE CANCERS!”
