Tony Medina, with three of his five children, Nadine, Jetaime and Javier, is staying strong as he faces life with a deadly asbestos-related cancer. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Callan Date
TONY Medina is a brave man.
As you talk to the Endeavour Hills father of five you get only a slight impression that he may have just a couple more years to live.
The 41-year-old puts on a courageous face as he details the deadly asbestos-related cancer taking over his body.
Mr Medina was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November – just over 20 years after he was employed to remove asbestos from building sites around Melbourne.
“I’m at the early stages with the disease at the moment,” he said. “The prognosis is generally between six months and four years after you are diagnosed.”
Giving Mr Medina hope, however, is the more encouraging stories of survival.
“Some people are alive after six or seven years,” he said.
“There is one case of a bloke who has lived for over 13 years.”
Mr Medina has spoken to that man and is following a similar diet and lifestyle in an attempt to live as long as possible.
“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions when you are first diagnosed. It’s been pretty hard for all of us,” he said.
“You have to learn to accept that we are all mortal and we need to appreciate every day as a gift – that’s why they call it the present.”
The Chilean-born soccer-loving man took up a role as a junior coach at Endeavour United Soccer Club late last year and hopes to continue to live life to the fullest while he battles the cancer.
“I feel strong – I feel very well,” Mr Medina said.
“It may be the adrenalin from all the support I am receiving from the community.
“It’s emotional support as well as all the practical support. They sort of spur you on and give you hope.”
Mr Medina said a recent union gathering and fundraiser had attracted more than 1000 people.
And support continues to come from Endeavour Hills residents and the wider Casey community.
“I think of myself as living with it rather than dying from it,” Mr Medina said.
“You have no other choice – I have got five children and they need me to be strong.”
And strong he is.
“I’m just so grateful to life and all that it has given me,” Mr Medina said.
