A Queensland family’s lives have been thrown into turmoil 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 possible news.
Just three weeks ago, Mr Anderson, who is a volunteer rugby league referee, learned that 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 biggest message to anyone is go and get tested, bowel cancer is a silent killer,’ Ms Jeffries told the Townsville Bulletin.
To help the family, friend Emma Price has set up a GoFundMe as ‘Anthony’s diagnosis has put a tremendous financial strain on (them)’.
‘The costs of medical treatments, hospital visits and other associated expenses are high,’ Ms Price wrote on the fundraiser page.
‘On top of that, the cost of living continues to be 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 is absolutely devastating. He’s 42. It came out of nowhere.’
Ms Price said she and her husband Nathan, who own Get Real Workwear and Safety Australia where Madi worked, had known her for 15 years.
‘She’s like our family … when all this happened, it’s really rocked us,’ she said.
Piling on the agony, Ms Jeffries’ mother gave up her job to move to Mackay to help with the children while Mr Anderson was being treated in hospital – but then she too became very ill.
She suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital, where doctors managed to save her life.
Just days after that, Anthony and Madi had to go back to Townsville, 386km north of Mackay, so he could have the tumour removed in Townsville Hospital.
Ms Price said she and the family were overwhelmed with the response to the fundraiser, which as of Friday evening was at $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 foresee,’ she wrote.
‘A small pain in his stomach led to a devastating diagnosis. This news has come as a complete shock to his family and friends, and the urgency is now greater than ever to support them through this unimaginable time.’
Anthony Anderson, who has been diagnosed with stage four cancer, is pictured with his partner Madi Jeffries
Mr Anderson (pictured) felt a pain in his stomach after dinner one night. 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 support for their children.
In an update on her partner’s condition, Ms Jeffries wrote ‘And just like that Anthony has been taken off to what will probably big his biggest hurdle in this journey.
‘Today Anthony undergoes surgery on his brain to remove a secondary tumour … not something I thought I’d ever have to say but here we are.
‘So now we wait to know he’s on the other side and safe. In the words of his cap… F*** CANCER!’
