Family battle leukemia and melanoma – live to tell the story

Since tying the knot in 2005, Brad and Leanne Reeves have fought leukemia and melanoma.

The Gymea couple is now encouraging others to get behind Daffodil Day on Friday, August 25. Money raised on Daffodil Day helps the Cancer Council fund research as well as support people suffering from cancer.

The couple’s fight with cancer started shortly after they were married, when Brad was diagnosed with leukemia.

Leanne said doctors told them he had a relatively low chance of surviving the disease.

“Brad’s cancer was very aggressive and he was given a 30 per cent chance of beating it and, on top of that, we were told that due to the nature of the treatment our chance of having a family afterwards would be remote,” Leanne said.

“Our world was shattered and we were both totally devastated. That day was the most gut wrenching and horrible day of our lives.”

Two years of treatment, including plenty of chemotherapy, ensued before Brad managed to recover.

The couple wanted to move on and start a family but further health problems prevented them. Eventually, they were able to try for a child and, much to their delight, Leanne became pregnant.

However, with their baby due in less than two weeks, Leanne received some bad news.

“I had recently had a mole removed from my back. Results had come back from the lab and it was cancerous – I had melanoma.

“The doctor advised it was advanced and required urgent surgery. The news was a real blow.”

Leanne was induced and underwent surgery not long after having her child.

“A week after having our beautiful baby girl, Mia, I was booked in to have the melanoma removed,” she said.

“It was a big cut which I had on my right shoulder blade. It was very painful and impacted me a lot as I was not able to pick Mia up without assistance.

“As it turned out I was very lucky ... they were able to successfully remove it all.”

The pair are both thankful for all the support and medical help they have received over the years, and have even raised $20,000 in support of cancer research.

“After Brad had recovered we were both really interested in finding a way to give something back.

“We both signed up with CanToo and completed three years of training and competing in ocean swimming events across Sydney.

“It was a great way to get fit and raise funds for a cause very close to our hearts.

“Between us we have raised $20,000 towards cancer research which is very satisfying.

“Our hope for the future now lies in cancer research and finding a cure for cancer so that one day there will be a world without cancer.”