Bowen Icon Cancer Centre patient Stephen Clarke found a unique way to help get through his cancer treatment. He shares his story below:

I finished cancer radiation therapy treatment in May 2022.

The clinical process has reminded me of the power of connection, the benefits of structure and strategy, and bringing others on a journey.

On day one of my treatment, I set myself a personal target of wearing a different football shirt every day over the 28 sessions to give myself a goal and to make a difference to the days.

Each shirt reminded me of a different part of my life from the early 1990s to present day.

This provided me with a psychological tool to make the treatments about my journey through life, the highs and lows that come with sport and to reinforce that at the centre it’s all about a journey as a team.

On day 27 the medical staff surprised me by all wearing a football shirt to mark the end of the radiation therapy phase of my life journey.

It was really special to me and brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate that those busy clinicians with many patients to care for had gone to this effort.

I realised that in those few moments of small talk over a month or so, that we had built a relationship and knew something about each other.

The power of just taking a moment to connect at a human level wasn’t necessary to achieve the tasks and professional outcomes and successfully play our roles but brought moments of happiness into our days.

These are life lessons I can bring along with me back to my work whānau and the real positivity that can come from what appears to be a negative situation.

The incredible support I’ve had from my wife and children, employer and the staff at the Bowen Icon Cancer Centre can only leave me with a hugely life-affirming and positive experience, even if it was precipitated by the negative cause of getting throat cancer.

Ngā mihi maioha!