Entertainer and cancer survivor Washuntara Roberts is the Face of Relay for Life for 2018.
Washuntara will not only perform at the event but also offer his personal story with cancer, walking among the survivors and carers as a first-time participant in the relay.
The relay is being held on May 19-20 at Redlands Showgrounds, Cleveland.
Washuntara was diagnosed with HPV related throat cancer in Wisconsin just over a year ago.
“They told me it was stage four and that that was not good news,” he said.
Washuntara, an internationally successful award-winning singer/songwriter and public speaker, flew home for treatment at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
“After a frightening initial misdiagnosis, I received incredible news - the cancer was treatable and in fact curable. I’m so glad I came home as the medical care I’ve received has been truly amazing,” he said.
“I’m in a six week hyperbaric trial at the moment that aims to assist with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, reclaiming damaged salivary glands. Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck is extremely tough, especially for a bloke who’s voice is his instrument. The good news is that as hard as it comes with having cancer in that part of the body, it has an incredible ability to heal.
Washuntara said he reached out for support through Cancer Council Queensland’s cancer counselling service, and joined a support group for people with head and neck cancer.
“I can’t recommend people do that enough - get with people who understand your particular journey and have been down the same dark road, and understand the different symptoms and conditions,” he said.
Washuntara is a co-founder of the international not-for-profit organisation Circle of Men and passionate about transforming social isolation.
“Through my work in the community I met John Simpson, the chair of Redlands Relay For Life, who said it would be great to bring my musical talent to the relay,” he said.
“As a cancer survivor my full-time job is to recover and to be of service to other people that may be headed down this road. At relay there is the metaphor of passing the baton – passing on hope.”
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillian said Redlands Relay For Life was more than a fundraiser.
“It’s a community event for a great cause, supporting survivors and raising cancer awareness. If you’re passionate about cancer prevention, early detection, research and support, or are looking for a way to give back in the community – join Washuntara at Redlands Relay For Life,” Ms McMillan said..
To register a team, participate in the survivors and carers lap, donate or find out more, visitwww.relayforlife.org.au or phone the Fundraising Hotline 1300 65 65 85. Registration is $30 per person.
