
Shane’s life could have been saved by this melanoma drug. And in a bittersweet victory, it’s finally been subsidsided by the government — just months after his death.
In just four weeks we are due to have our second child.
I remember seeing our son Jett for the first time: It was a truly magical moment. His little hands curled around our fingers as he looked up at us, his mummy and daddy.
But this time will be very different. I will be doing it alone — because before the chance to meet our new son, my darling husband Shane lost his long battle with melanoma.
Shane fought strong and hard for 15 years, but in March he was taken from his family at only 32 years old, and we lost a special part of our lives forever.
Right until the end, Shane was campaigning to stay alive. He drove a change.org petition to the government pleading for the KeyTruda Melanoma drug to be listed on the PBS. His petition has gathered over 170,000 signatures; the public support was phenomenal.
But disappointingly, the government for too long didn’t listen — and now a loving daddy, husband, son, brother, friend and so much more is forever gone.
Watching my husband Shane — a strong-willed, very determined and positive man — deteriorate in front of my eyes is the hardest thing I will ever have to face in my life. Going from a loving wife to a full-time carer is the toughest transition a loved one will endure, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.
How do you switch off your own emotions and focus solely on helping your husband die peacefully and pain-free? How do you explain to your three-year-old son that daddy can’t play outside anymore? That in fact, he can’t even pick you up anymore to give you a kiss and cuddle?