Travis Harkin and his aunt Trish are doing their best to raise funds for cancer research. They will form part of Team WAM during the Relay for Life event at Berwick this Friday and Saturday.
By Callan Date
TRAVIS Harkin has had many setbacks during his 28 years.
Spending almost all his life in a wheelchair due to debilitating cerebral palsy has been a difficulty he has had to overcome.
The diagnosis of testicular cancer last March was another challenge the Narre Warren resident has had to hold off.
And losing his father from a stroke last year could have signalled the beginning of the end.
But Travis is a fighter. He refuses to give up – on life and on others.
He also refuses to sit back and dwell on the issues he faces each day.
Travis is instead tackling them head-on and helping other people on the way.
All those attributes have been on display over the past few weeks as Travis and his aunt and carer Trish have gone about raising funds for his Relay for Life challenge at Berwick’s Akoonah Park tomorrow (Friday).
Travis has been inundated with support from the local community and hopes to raise a few thousand dollars for cancer research.
“I didn’t realise how much people would give,” he said.
“It’s great. I didn’t realise how much people really do care.”
That care has come from friends, family and total strangers.
An anonymous $1000 cheque came in the mail last week – a gesture Travis and Trish are still thrilled with.
The brave man has been in remission from his cancer for seven months and hopes to complete a few laps of the relay this weekend.
“Without the assistance of Dandenong Respite Carers Centre, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Dad’s army mates and aunty Tricia I would not be where we are today,” Travis said.
Jetty Surf staff at Fountain Gate have also offered time and mateship to support their friend.
Travis will take part in the relay as part of Team WAM – named after his personal trainer, who has been another motivating factor throughout his rehabilitation.
Any cheque donations to help Travis and Team WAM can be made out to the Cancer Council of Victoria and be sent c/- Travis Harkin, 27 Hilltop Close, Narre Warren South, 3805.
