Local raises awareness on leukemia

AMY Thiele's father Neville Belcher has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and his daughter has been advocating on his condition ever since. Raised in Strathbogie, Mr Belcher settled in Euroa. A carpenter by trade, him and his mate Noel formed well–known local building company Willcox & Belcher, later expanding into hospitality to include the Cobram Hot Bake. "There was nothing that couldn't be done," Mrs Thiele said. "Nev would always find a way. "And when he devised a plan, he always took his time to ensure his craft was nothing short of perfect." But the diagnose arrived, leaving Mr Belcher's family in distress. "On January 3, 2022 after some abnormal blood tests, I took my father to Melbourne for further blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy," Mrs Thiele said. "Shortly after came the devastating diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). "Dad then deteriorated quickly. "A persistent fever, paleness, weight loss, lethargy, loss appetite were just some of his initial symptoms." Being 72, a bone marrow transplant and intensive chemotherapy were deemed too dangerous. Thankfully due to further advancements in blood cancer treatments over the past few years, palliative care was not the only option. Standard treatment or clinical trials were put on the board. "Dad was looking to do a clinical trial, which looked promising, and was going to be expanded regionally into Shepparton, which would have saved hours of travel time to receive vital treatment," Mrs Thiele said. "It was during this time that I started thinking there has to be more that we can do. "That was when the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave came to mind. "After learning, their goal is to "Shave the world of blood cancer" by assisting families on their cancer journey as well as investing into further research to finding new treatment options, it seemed like a no–brainer. "Let's shave our noggins. "I pitched this to dad, and he wanted to join in too, shaving his mo. "I've never seen dad with facial hair, so it was good to see his spirits up, taking a proactive approach to his diagnosis, but also to help others in the future. "So he set about growing one." Unfortunately the trial was delayed several times. After three weeks, the doctors abandoned it altogether and opted for a low dose chemo. The following week, a new chemotherapy treatment regime started involving seven days of injections and daily pills. "Finally dad responded well, and has recently been shifted to Shepparton for rehab, before heading home," Mrs Thiele said. "The way he has faced his leukaemia is also head on, with a plan to get his life back. "His positive attitude and his simple 'go with the flow' way of life are key." For Mrs Thiele, helping her dad get through this is a necessity as his young grandkids are counting on having a grandfather and thus for a long time. "Nev was promoted to Grandpa in 2014 with his first grandson, and welcomed two more grandsons in 2017 and 2020," she said. "He comes camping with us a lot, the kids would always have a ball, even if Grandpa put their wheelbarrow up the tree so he wouldn't trip over it. "The grandkids, along with all of dad's family and friends have been key driving factors in him getting better. "I keep saying he's 'Built Bogie Tough' and he proves it every day." And so Mr belcher's family is encouraging others to join our Greatest Shave team, the Thiele Crew, by shaving or colouring your own hair, or by making a donation. A donation of $30 provides an information pack to families, $80 provides the first night of accommodation for a family who need to relocate for treatment, $150 support the work of a PhD scholarship recipient for another day. To support the Leukaemia Foundation and sponsor the Thiele Crew go to http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/thethielecrew and choose your own amount. Amounts over $2 are tax deductible, with receipts emailed to you. Donations can also be made anonymously. If you prefer cash donation, these can be dropped at 4 Weir Street, Euroa C/– Albert Belcher (Mr Belcher's son), please leave an email if you require a tax receipt, and whether you would like your name and/or amount displayed online or remain anonymous when we pay–in cash to the World's Greatest Shave portal. "Thank you, our appreciation is beyond measurable," Mrs Thiele said.