In January 2017 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The months leading up to my diagnosis were a whirlwind. Unknown foreign lumps in my neck had proved hard to pin down, a diagnosis took some time. Luckily we got it as early as practically possible, my treatment plan was solidified, and my cancer battle begun.

From my treatment experience I learnt a lot. Chemotherapy and radiation are nasty but necessary evils in order to overcome cancer. I attacked the treatment head on, the only way. During my treatment I was often surprised by different things or had to do a lot of my own research around the little things - what to expect. While I had amazing friends, family and workplace networks, I didn't quite have the experienced knowledge at hand. Getting a heads up about peeing red, to pie cravings, to talking to someone else my age that had been through this before, they were all things I could have done with knowing during my cancer journey. I cannot fault the healthcare system during my treatment, nor the support I received from Oznam House in Palmerston North, but I do believe there is a gap in the support provided for the 18-40 year old demographic. This gap can be filled fairly easily with the right systems in place.

What system? A platform/support service where cancer patients and their caregivers can share, collaborate, where they can talk in an open and honest forum and build strong connections. A positive mindset is crucial to successfully overcoming a cancer diagnosis; a platform/support service like this would foster a positive mindset for all involved. The platform would also house resources and information relating to all things cancer as well as survivorship - life after cancer.

I managed to overcome my cancer battle, my Mount Everest. From my experience I want to help others. While this campaign is for Cancer Society of NZ, I strongly believe that anyone who has a challenge, goal, roadblock or struggle can overcome or achieve it. 

This year I was a contestant on Survivor NZ. I had only been in remission for several months before I embarked on this huge challenge. It was a challenge I relished and one I will never forget. My next challenge is to complete the Taupo 70.3 half ironman on December 8th 2018. This will be the biggest physical challenge of my life and one I want to achieve for the Cancer Society and prove to all those out there going through their own battles that this is beatable, and together, we can beat it together.

Please donate to help us create a more supportive environment & experience for youth cancer patients & their caregivers. With cancer impacting and reaching across so many people, you never know when you, your family or your grandchildren will one day need such a service to help them. Life can change in a flash, it did for me and it could for you. These funds will help those lives that change in a flash from a cancer diagnosis.

I will be carrying out a range of fundraising events in Taranaki and around NZ, which I will update on this page when they are confirmed. If you want to follow my half ironman journey as well as the future fundraising events please follow via > www.facebook.com/WeCanJosh or www.instagram.com/jvhick

If anyone would like to get in contact with me regarding events or opportunities: email - josh.hickford@outlook.com

The half ironman training continues!

I Can. You Can. We Can.

If you would prefer to donate to our bank account you can donate as per below. Please leave name as a reference. If you want a donation receipt email me directly to the email above.

Cancer Society of NZ Taranaki Centre

15–3942-0002505-02

NEXT EVENTS

8th December - Ironman 70.3 Taupo (Half Ironman) 

THANK YOU TO LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT

Cancer Society of NZ Taranaki Centre | Frontrunner New Plymouth | TSB | Mason Appliances | New Plymouth Podiatry | Cycle Inn | The Good Home NP | Taranaki Rugby | Timberco | Taranaki Associated Cleaners | Egmont Seafoods | Egmont Honey | Full Circle | King & Queen Hotel Suites | Streamline Swimming NP | Novotel New Plymouth | Southern Cross | CA ANZ | Mitre 10 | LILO | Marcels | Craft Smoothie | The Hour Glass | Unichem | Taranaki Young Professionals | FUll Circle | Natalie Waugh Photographer | Devon Hotel | The Location |