By Luke Voogt
Geelong West’s Ben Collett has helped Light the Night since he was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2013.
The 41-year-old has joined fellow Geelong leukaemia sufferers, their families and those left behind to light a lantern each year.
“It’s just knowing that you’re not alone,” he said.
“There are other people in the community with leukaemia and the support is there.”
Ben received the bad news on 31 May 2013.
“It shouldn’t be a date I remember but it is,” he said.
“Up until then I was pretty healthy. All of a sudden you get dealt something like that and it’s a kick in the guts.”
Myelofibrosis is a bone marrow disorder and an uncommon type of leukaemia (blood cancer).
It causes severe fatigue, weakens the body and its immune system and can lead to worse forms of leukaemia.
“Basically all my bone marrow has scar tissue,” Ben said.
But despite the disease the council arborist still enjoys “as normal a life as possible“.
“The support I’ve been getting off management and my workmates has been awesome.”
So far, he has managed to avoid chemotherapy.
“But eventually I will need massive chemo – my oncologist told me it could be 10 or 15 years until I need treatment,” he said.
“I’ve just got to wait until I can get a bone marrow transplant.”
Ben still runs and recently took on the MCG’s 7300 steps in the Stadium stomp.
“It was tough work but I finished it so that’s something to proud of,” he said.
Ben has raised $1500 for Light the Night and credits much of the fund-raising to his sister and parents.
“This year I’ve done better than what I have previously,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere without my family I don’t think.”
Light the Night takes place at Johnston Park on 7 October.
Ben said those interested could donate by searching for his name at www. lightthenight.org.au.
“The night is so important. It raises money for new and better treatments, not for just my leukaemia, but all forms of leukaemia.”
