In his own words: a caregiver’s story of love, support and loss
Lyn was quite an extraordinary lady. Not only because of the wonderful person she was, but also because she survived for seven and a half years with mesothelioma until her passing very recently.
Her husband of 24 years, Bruce, was her caregiver and supported her on this journey. In his own words, Bruce shares a little about Lyn, how she managed her disease, and what he admires the most about her battle with this terminal cancer.
What I greatly admire the most about Lyn’s battle with this brute of a disease is that she never once complained in public, rarely at home, and always maintained a strong, positive attitude.
“Lyn was a physiotherapist specialising in Women’s and Children’s Health and worked on both the private and public health systems. She also made a significant contribution to improving the safety and quality of the health system in WA whilst being a Director of the WA Office Safety and Quality in the Department of Health.
Above all she was always a kind, considerate, compassionate, independent, intelligent, and warm human being. She was a connector of people and loved a chat.
Lyn was diagnosed with mesothelioma 7 and half years ago. She fought it head on with great courage and tenacity whilst maintaining positive attitude always seeking opportunities to enjoy life with family and friends and particularly her grandchildren in Melbourne and would think nothing of crossing the country regularly in between chemotherapy to make that a reality.
We also used every opportunity of her relative wellness to travel overseas. She also her displayed her positivity by dressing and presenting herself as a well person. She was always beautifully presented – indeed, if you did not know of her diagnosis you would say that she was well. To me that was true courage as she could easily let it all go.
I think her positive attitude aided her fight against the disease. She contributed to events at Reflections and saw that as way of giving back.
She was a true warrior. I have the deepest love, respect for her together with a gratitude for the time that I spent with her over the 24 years of our relationship.”
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