“Brain cancer happens so quickly, and people often don’t talk about it. We need more awareness, because every story shared brings us closer to a breakthrough.”
Stephen Ellis
Stephen Ellis is diving back into the 5km Cole Classic Ocean Swim on 22 February to raise money for Brain Cancer Australia, in honour of his sister, Ros.
After losing Ros to brain cancer six years ago, Stephen has been on a mission to help change the outcome for families like his. He raised more than $5,000 in last year’s Cole Classic to support Brain Cancer Australia’s work accelerating research and improving patient care — and is aiming to do the same again this year.
“Brain cancer happens so quickly, and people often don’t talk about it,” Stephen says. “We need more awareness, because every story shared brings us closer to a breakthrough.”
Ros’ diagnosis at age 64 came as a complete shock, following an unusual first symptom — loss of feeling in her foot. Despite surgery and treatment, she was given just 15 months to live.
“She couldn’t believe it,” Stephen recalls. “Apart from her leg, she felt fine. She never saw it coming.”
Stephen says families affected by brain cancer are acutely aware of how slow progress has been compared to other cancers — and that’s what keeps him coming back to the ocean year after year.
This year, he’ll also be thinking of Professor Richard Scolyer, who he met at Brain Cancer Australia’s 10th anniversary last year. Like many Australians, Stephen has followed Richard’s journey with brain cancer. “His continued optimism, even knowing there is no cure, is an inspiration,” Stephen says.
Doing the swim itself is demanding.
“Before the start, you’re always nervous — I question whether I am really ready to do a 5km swim,” Stephen says. “I’ve always been more concerned about blue bottles, but sharks are obviously on everyone’s minds at the moment. I'm hoping the sheer number of swimmers will keep them away.”
You can support Stephen’s Cole Classic swim and his fundraising for Brain Cancer Australia here: https://coleclassic26.grassrootz.com/brain-cancer-australia/stephen-ellis
