By CASEY NEILL
“It’s a very lonely disease. You can’t fight it without support.”
And Keysborough resident Chris ‘Rabbit’ Heenan has been overwhelmed with support during his terminal cancer battle, particularly from his former Noble Park Football Club teammates.
They recently presented him with a cheque for $4000 for his Raise Rabbit Foundation raised at their annual golf day, held at Keysborough Golf Course on 7 April.
The club last November rallied to raise $30,000 for Chris and his family, including daughters aged 10 and 12.
“It was very overwhelming,” Chris said.
“I hope there are no more.
“It’s getting embarrassing because there are worse-off people than me, that’s for sure.”
At the golf day, Chris joined the 69 players on the course in a drinks cart, catching up with each throughout the event to thank them for their support.
EJ Whitten Foundation CEO Barry Besanko spoke at a function that evening, covering issues around prostate cancer and need for regular testing.
“I go to bed at night time thinking ‘just wake up tomorrow’,” Chris said.
“If I see Christmas it’s going to be great.
“All I can do is hopefully help others.”
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August last year after admittedly ignoring symptoms for some time.
A biopsy and body scan found the cancer was in his bones, lungs and other parts of his body.
“It spread really, really quickly,” he said.
“If I’d had the checks…
“I’d like to be a voice in regards to men and women getting scans and check-ups.
“It’s very, very important to jump on it quickly,” he said.
Golf day convenor Grant Connolly said: “Rabbit’s condition has really hit home and highlights the importance for men of all ages to have regular checks and not ignore early warning signs.”
