Pictured above: Nigel and Kelli Anderson.
After a shock cancer diagnosis, well-known Margaret River local, Nigel Anderson, received the good news he and his wife will be able to spend Christmas at home with their family.
Nigel and his wife Kelli have been staying at our Crawford Lodge in Nedlands after being diagnosed with throat cancer in September, and said the support they received at the Lodge has given them space during a difficult time.
"I was on a surf trip at Exmouth just before the September school holidays and I had a few problems with my breathing while I was surfing," Nigel said.
"Then I started to feel a bit of a lump on the exterior of my throat and went to see the doctor who did a scan where they found a 66mm tumour on the inside of my throat.
"We were then sent to Perth to see the specialists and begin treatment."
Nigel said while they initially stayed with relatives in Perth, moving to Crawford Lodge has allowed them to concentrate on getting better.
"We are so grateful to the wonderful staff at Cancer Council WA's Crawford Lodge," he said.
"You just want to concentrate on your treatment and getting better and giving yourself the best shot at whatever is in front of you, and having the support at Crawford Lodge means a few less things you have to worry about.
"You've got your accommodation sorted and the wonderful volunteers take you back and forth for treatments. We also have others to talk to who are in the same situation."
Our Cancer Information and Support Services Director, Melanie Marsh said she was thrilled the couple would be able to go home for Christmas.
"For most West Australians, the holiday season means winding down and taking time off to celebrate with loved ones," Ms Marsh said.
"But cancer doesn't rest so neither do we.
"This year Cancer Council WA's Crawford and Milroy Lodges will be home to more than 50 cancer patients and 32 carers from regional WA over the festive period."
