Tom's story

Meet Tom

For Tom, the “hurt locker” on a Smiddy challenge is relative—knowing he would likely not even be alive today without the impact of research that his participation in Smiling for Smiddy Noosa Tri enables.

In 2015, Tom was 36 years old, and a young father with another on the way. He was fit, healthy and in the prime of his life—before his world was tipped on its head.

“I was out cycling, and I remember noticing three big lumps under my left arm,” Tom explains.

“I had a biopsy and a scan, to check what was causing the lumps.”

For days, he waited anxiously for his results. The lumps turned out to be Stage 3 metastatic melanoma.

In an instant—Tom’s world changed.

Initial treatment included surgery to remove his lymph nodes and immunotherapy treatment, but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan.

Tom’s cancer had progressed to Stage 4 within a year.

“I was told the devastating news that I had 12 months to live, and to get my affairs in order.”

Tom persevered through additional treatment—he had to. The thought of leaving behind his young children was not an option. Despite how difficult the cancer treatment was and some severe side effects—Tom had to fight!

“I am not going to lie, I struggled more so mentally than physically throughout this journey. But I always try to keep a positive mind.”

Positivity and hope are powerful things.

Tom was thrown a lifeline when his oncologist at Mater referred him to a clinical trial for cell targeted therapy at a hospital in Brisbane.

For Tom, this trial was hope for his future. 

“On my next scan, the cancer was all gone. I have been cancer-free now for five years—but I’m still taking the treatment. My odds of relapse are 50 per cent.” 

"My symptoms mirrored Adam Smiddy's," Tom reflects. "I’ve been so lucky to have had access to new treatments. Continued research to find a cure is so important."

Advancements in research and treatments have given Tom a future with his friends and family. And to resume his fitness training in a bid to keep his body and mind strong to fight any future hurdles.

“I feel very connected to Smiling for Smiddy through my own journey. I will be a part of this team for as long as they let me!”

For Tom, when he takes on a Noosa Tri in November, he knows why he will push through the “hurt locker”.