Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane served as Solaris Cancer Care’s 2019-2020 Ambassador, both for its program and The Red Sky Ride.
Mark jotted down a few statements for us on his recent experience being diagnosed with head and neck cancer and the impact our wellness programs have had on his cancer journey:
“The love and support from family and friends combined with full time care from my wife was clearly critical. However, it was the care from strangers that touched me in a powerful way, it was spiritually enlightening.
My first experience with Solaris Cancer Care was during a Chemo session. As a lovely lady walked purposefully towards me, my initial thought was that she must have mistaken me for someone else – so genuine, so concerned, so caring to me, a total stranger – would you be interested in a reiki session? Weirdly, it was something I had been considering.
That treatment gave me some respite for the next 24 hours and over the following months I became a regular visitor. Not only benefiting from the treatments, but that genuine care from total strangers was a highlight for me – I am truly grateful for that experience. I made a commitment in my mind during that time – that when I was able, I would repay these people, this place in some way.
Whilst I am not currently out of the woods, I am back working, surfing, and planning a new trip with my family to Japan. I am proud to say that I have been active with Solaris Cancer Care, offering my services and contacts to assist in fundraising activities.
My role as a Solaris Cancer Care ambassador is something I was immensely honoured to undertake – it was my way of giving back to this wonderful organisation.
My hope is that through my efforts, more people suffering from the effects of cancer will continue to have access to the services as I did. Now that my luck and health has returned, I can use my influence and motivation to raise the much needed funds for this incredible free support service as well as promoting the exceptional role that the Solaris Cancer Care outlets perform in our community.”
