It was meant to be one of the biggest moments of his life, instead Balmoral resident Jay Allen was left reeling after a shock diagnosis.
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On January 25, 2021 Jay received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his work in raising awareness and funds to research melanoma, however days later on January 29, Jay received his shock throat diagnosis.
Jay is no stranger to cancer.
In 2008, at the young age of 32, Jay was diagnosed with stage three melanoma which had spread to his lymph nodes. He recalled feeling "really scared" when he first heard his diagnosis.
Now 13 years later, Jay is battling a different type of cancer and he's determined to beat it.
Jay said he was devastated by the diagnosis.
"It was really shocking," he said.
"I noticed a lump on my neck in December and it came back in January so I went to the doctors. I did a couple of tests and they found a type of non-melanoma skin cancer and a tumour on my right tonsil.
"The doctors said I had an 80 - 90 per cent chance of survival.
"The treatment was terrible. It was seven weeks of treatment."
Jay underwent his last treatment for his cancer on April 9.
Despite the toll it has taken on his body, Jay is determined to continue raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart.
"I'm about to start a charity," he said.
"More than one million people are diagnosed with non melanoma skin cancer."
He is currently fundraising for continued awareness and research with K's to Cure Fundraiser with Tour De Cure.
"We're asking anyone if they would like to join the Melanoma Man team and help raise funds for a cancer cure," he said.
"Alternatively they can go to the www.melanomaman.com.au to register or donate."
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
Previously Jay has helped raise more than $1 million for melanoma research since he began campaigning, and was the subject of a TV documentary.
The cancer diagnosis was the last thing the Allen family expected.
In 2019, they faced the prospect of losing their home in Balmoral as the Green Wattle Creek fire bared down on the village. They were lucky that their home wasn't affected.
The family also welcomed their newest edition in December 2020, weeks before Jay's throat cancer news.
After giving back to the community and raising awareness, friends have banded together to support the family as Jay recovers from treatment.
A Gofundme account has been set up to help the family with day to day costs as well as medical costs. To donate to the family, please click here.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
