Rick Evans prepares for his walk for melanoma.
Camera IconRick Evans prepares for his walk for melanoma. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt d481290

Duncraig father excited to walk in melanomaWA’s Perth Melanoma March after own ordeal

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

DUNCRAIG father Rick Evans knows all too well just how devastating melanoma can be but he never lets it get him down.

In 2013, he had a small mole removed from his back and did not think any more of it until two-and-a-half years ago when a cyst under his shoulder started bothering him.

Testing revealed the cyst was stage 4 melanoma that had spread to his lung, liver and bowel. Mr Evans was treated with a targeted therapy, holding the melanoma at bay.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Since then he has had emergency surgery to remove melanoma legions that had grown in his brain.

He planned to lead the 2017 Perth Melanoma March to raise funds but suffered a bleed in his brain, which required a second craniotomy.

Following his surgery, Mr Evans was placed on an immunotherapy combi trial that required four double infusions over nine weeks.

By June, there was no evidence of melanoma in his scans and now, aged 42, he still lives with the burden that his melanoma may return.

Despite his tough battle, Mr Evans remains positive and thankful that his life was saved by clinical trials made possible by research.

He is passionate about marching with his son and daughter by his side at this Sunday’s Perth Melanoma March from 7.30am at Cottesloe Beach.

Participants will walk about 4km with the option to run 10km. To register, go to www. melanomamarch. org.au. Tyler Brown