By Derek Schlennstedt
“They say cancer is a journey – well I somehow don’t think so, it’s more like an uncomfortable train ride with no seats, the smell of sweaty armpits and wondering how long you will have to stand with that awful scent of body sweat wafting through in two-second intervals, not a pleasant experience that I would wish on anyone.’
The foreword of Heather Roberts’ book, titled ‘All aboard’ is a poignant metaphor and reminder of the journey that she and her family underwent when caring for her husband who was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme grade IV brain cancer.
On 22 November 2016, Kyoshi Andrew Roberts, Heather’s husband and adored teacher at Edge Martial Arts in Mount Evelyn lost a year-long battle with the brain cancer, which is aptly known in forums as ‘the terminator’.
Since then Heather and her family have created a foundation dedicated to Andrew and Heather is now close to finishing a book that she hopes will help families who may be going through the same experience.
Heather began writing the book when Andrew was diagnosed in June 2015 and said the book began as a diary used to keep a record of each day.
While the internet offers plenty of information about the rare brain cancer, the book will offer readers a perspective of what families who are facing similar situations can expect.
“You can google as much as you want, but you don’t see it from a family’s perspective,” she said.
“To people going through it, it will bring them awareness to just how quickly things can change, and just how much is involved in looking after someone like that.”
“It will hopefully help carers and families understand how they are going to feel, and what they have to see … all my girls went through trauma of watching their dad like that,” she said.
Andrew remained at home for the last few weeks before passing, a decision made by him, Heather and their daughters.
During this time Heather cared for him and said that while it was very stressful, she would never have wanted it any other way.
“It’s very tiring and stressful and I ended up with shingles, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
This also prompted the beginning of the Kyoshi Andrew Roberts Foundation that’s aimed at helping families bring their loved ones home instead of spending their final days in a hospital.
The book, which is now weeks away from being finished, will have all proceeds donated to the Kyoshi Andrew Roberts Foundation.
Both the foundation and book are dedicated to Andrew and hope to continue his legacy of being a person that would always be willing to help people.
“Andrew would help anyone – he would give you the shirt of his back if he could, and that’s what I want to keep going for him and where this book will come in as he will still be helping others who read this book,” she said.
To find out more about the Kyoshi Andrew Roberts Foundation or to donate visit https://www.facebook.com/kyoshiandrewrobertsfoundation/
