3 minute read
Kev’s Crew
In Memory of Kevin Michael – Kev’s Crew
Kevin Michael was an electrical power auditor, advocate for his workplace health awareness program and a loving husband, father and grandfather. In September this year Kevin passed away peacefully with his family at his side.
Kevin had prostate cancer for over five years, but was always positive and took a proactive approach to the disease. Over the course of Kevin’s treatment, he was put on ANZUP’s ENZAMET trial due to signs of spots in the abdomen and the aggressive nature of the cancer.
After eighteen months on the ENZAMET trial Kevin felt quite good, walking twice a day, playing golf and attending exercise physiology sessions. He also went back to work three days a week and ensured his quality of life was maintained by sharing holidays with his wife, two daughters, son in law and three grandchildren. The trial gave Kevin more time to enjoy and a better quality of life. Kevin continued to be proactive in many ways. He enrolled into two other trials for his daughter - the BRCA trial to investigate any links to breast cancer from prostate cancer, and the geriatric trial for over 70 year olds on chemotherapy. This trial included a rehab program to assess his general health, fitness and strength.
He also took part in the Prostmate program (a free program introduced for male employees over 45 years to check their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) via blood test on an annual basis). Identifiable irregularities are referred to the individual’s GP. Kevin had the opportunity through his workplace program to talk to other men about his experience with prostate cancer. He was able to encourage men to look after their health and get checked. Through this program more than 140 men have now been tested for prostate cancer. Kevin was firm in saying men should be aware before, during and after any diagnosis.
Through his diagnosis and treatment, Genitourinary nurse practitioner (and his sister in law) Kath Schubach was an incredible support and someone Kevin referred to as his guardian angel.
“I have been nursing for more than 40 years and caring for men with prostate cancer for the last 25 years. I have had the privilege to care for men and their partners through all stages of their cancer journey. I have seen the progress of treatment for prostate cancers evolve with the access to clinical trials and the benefits for men having these treatment options. Kevin was involved in clinical trials and always had a positive outlook towards his illness. Kevin was a huge part of my life as I was only 5 years old when he came into our family. We shared a special bond over the last five years of his illness. When Kevin referred to me as his guardian angel it made me feel proud that I was able to give him some comfort through his cancer journey”.
Kath Schubach
In 2018 Kath, with her husband Ross, brother Jim and niece, (Kevin’s daughter) Laura, took to the Sandown Race course to ride as many laps as they could at the Below the Belt Pedalthon in Melbourne. This event raised both funds and awareness for not just prostate cancer research but also other below the belt cancers. This year due to COVID-19, they took part in the virtual event by walking, running and cycling in the Below the Belt #YourWay Challenge. For both these events they signed up as Kev’s Crew to make a difference, raise awareness and support Kevin.
KEV’S CREW AT MELBOURNE PEDALTHON
