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Friend for Life, Trevor

“You should get that checked out.” They weren’t the words that 22-year-old Trevor expected to hear during a routine visit to his chiropractor. But a mole on his back didn’t look right.

Nine years later, after removal of two melanomas and successful treatment, Trevor was given the “all clear”. But when the lymph nodes in his leg started to swell, Trevor was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. Without treatment, his doctors gave him only months to live.

Thanks to Peter Mac and the generous people who support its research, Trevor joined a clinical trial that saved his life. Now he has made the incredible decision to include Peter Mac in his Will and is a proud ‘Friend for Life’. For Trevor, this is the best way for him to give back to help others who face cancer.

Trevor at Chapmans Point Lookout, overlooking Victoria's Port Phillip Bay

The worst diagnosis

Trevor’s cancer journey started with a single melanoma. He had it removed.

9 years later, another melanoma appeared on the back of his calf. It was removed, and he was monitored for 3 years before being given the “all clear”.

But only days later, the lymph nodes in his leg started to swell. After a barrage of tests, Trevor was given the worst diagnosis.

“Tests showed the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, lung, liver, and brain. Without treatment, I only had 2 to 6 months to live.”

It was a lot to take in, but Trevor wasn’t ready to give up.

The trial that worked

Determined to find a way through this, Trevor discovered he was eligible to apply for a new clinical trial at Peter Mac. He knew time was running out, so when he was accepted into the trial he was hoping for the best.

These trials are key to linking patient care with cancer research. They help test new treatments, new ways of giving existing treatments or new combinations of treatments, and also find ways to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer.

After just 4 treatments via the trial, the results were huge—his tumours had shrunk by half. Each time he went back, his doctors had more good news. Eventually, his cancer was completely gone.

Thanks to the research at Peter Mac and the people who helped fund it, Trevor’s life was saved.

Why research matters

Trevor’s story shows just how important research is, including the promising research like that of Dr Lavinia Spain. Treatments like the one he received aren’t possible without years of cancer research, and research isn’t possible without support. Trevor knows this better than anyone.

“I wouldn’t be here without the research,” he says. “It takes years and costs so much. 'That's why I've left a gift in my Will to keep supporting cancer research, making me a ‘Friend for Life’.”

Like all of Peter Mac’s ‘Friend for Life’ supporters, Trevor’s vision is to ensure future patients have a life-saving outcome, as he did. His legacy will help fund the research that leads to more lives saved.

Trevor enjoys sailing his dad's yacht

Include your legacy, save lives

Like Trevor, you can make a lasting difference. By including a gift in your Will, and becoming a ‘Friend for Life’, you’ll support the research that discovers new treatments, and life-saving cancer cures for more people.

Include a gift in your Will to Peter Mac today to become part of the life-saving cancer research that helps people like Trevor. Your legacy will support the development of new treatments and save lives for years to come.

Find out more about including a gift in your Will