Cancer Council : Dave's Story

In July 2022, the Hoppitt family’s world was shaken to its core when Dave, a 36-year-old husband and father of four, received a devastating diagnosis: advanced and aggressive Stage 3 testicular cancer.

Within weeks of noticing the initial symptoms, Dave's cancer had spread its grip across his body including his abdomen, lymph nodes, and lungs. This was the beginning of an arduous and uncertain journey that would test the limits of the Hoppitt’s strength and resilience.

Dave and his family had already experienced profound loss, having lost Dave’s twin sibling prenatally and another of his siblings in a tragic skydiving accident in 2004. The burden of Dave's diagnosis weighed heavily on his parents, who again were facing the grim spectre of mortality. The emotional rollercoaster that accompanied Dave's journey took a toll on everyone involved.

“The surgery and four months of chemotherapy was a gruelling battle,” says Dave, “but it all seemed worth it when then I returned to work after almost six months”.

However, that hope was fleeting, as just six weeks later came the shattering news that the cancer had resurfaced and was now growing at an alarming rate.

Faced with this dire prognosis, Dave embarked on an exceptionally challenging and demanding high-dose chemotherapy regimen in January 2023, which would require three separate stem cell transplants over five months. This treatment exacted a heavy toll, rendering him profoundly ill, incapacitated, and often hospitalised.

Dave was introduced to one of Cancer Council Tasmania’s Supportive Care team when he was first diagnosed... Initially he hesitated, believing he could manage with the help of his close-knit family and friends.

“My wife Alyce has been incredible in her unwavering support and love throughout”, says Dave. “As well as caring for our four young children and striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy and positivity in their lives, she visited me in the hospital almost every day”.

It was only when he faced a recurrence of his cancer and the subsequent brutal treatment regimen that he accepted Cancer Council Tasmania’s assistance.

While Dave's workplace had been incredibly supportive, he had barely been unable to work for over a year, leading to both mental and financial strain. Cancer Council Tasmania provided invaluable services that ranged from counselling for Dave and his family to financial assistance and access to support groups.

Before his own cancer diagnosis, Dave was largely unaware of the pivotal role played by Cancer Council Tasmania in the broader community.

“I had heard of their cancer support services, but soon learned about our organisation's extensive work in cancer prevention, research, advocacy, and education”.

Services like our transport2treatment service, which appeared basic but are absolutely essential, became apparent to him as he met others who relied on them during their treatment journeys.

One aspect that deeply resonated with Dave was our organisation's ability to liaise with schools and government agencies like Centrelink on his behalf, relieving a significant burden from his family's shoulders.

“All of this support allowed my family to focus on the treatment process and providing care for our children. I feel a profound sense of gratitude towards Cancer Council Tasmania and passionately committed to helping them help others in the future”.

As well as adding his voice to our Christmas Appeal, Dave has taken part in Patient Narrative sessions organised by Cancer Council Tasmania, telling his story to students at the Tasmanian School of Medicine. His advocacy also recently included running Point to Pinnacle to support cancer respite organisation, Homely Retreats.

Eight months after the conclusion of his most recent treatment, Dave is filled with hope that he will one day be cancer-free.

“I am not yet rid of this horrible disease, but for the past six months, there has been no growth. The tumours, once numerous and menacing, have diminished to such an extent that it's difficult to determine whether they still pose a threat. From a staggering count of well over a hundred at my worst, I now face just two which are located within my lungs”.

In the face of relentless adversity, the Hoppitt family's journey continues, serving as a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the crucial support offered by organisations like Cancer Council Tasmania in the fight against cancer.

It takes all of us to fight cancer. You can make a meaningful difference in the life of people impacted by cancer, like Dave and his family. Donate at cancercouncilfundraising.com.au/tas/appeal or call us on 1300 65 65 85. Thank you for your generous support.