“I was terrified. I said goodbye to my wife and children”

Chris was young, fit and active. When he started to get short of breath one day, he didn’t worry too much. He just made a doctor’s appointment.

But he never made it to that appointment.

In a matter of days, he became seriously ill and was rushed into the Intensive Care Unit at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Chris discovered he had a rare, aggressive cancer that was preventing his blood from clotting. Doctors feared he could have a bleed at any time and wouldn’t survive.

But then one of the medical profession’s unsung heroes came forward with unexpected news. Pathologist Dr Anand Murugasu had kept working on Chris’ biopsy sample. He wanted to know why Chris had such extreme and unusual symptoms.

At the 11th hour, he discovered a gene mutation in the tumour, which meant a new drug – usually used to treat lung cancer – could be used to treat Chris. Within a week, he was ready to go home.

During the pandemic, more than ever, it's become clear to all of us just how important our Pathology Department is in a crisis. Whether for COVID-19 testing, or another emergency, we all want fast, accurate blood test results. You can help provide them by sending a gift to the Pathology Department at The Royal Melbourne to help provide them with a new state-of-the-art digital system.

Your gift today will help save lives.