Teeing off with cancer survivor Nathan Rix
2024-04-23
Photo: John, cancer survivor Nathan Rix, The Kid's Cancer Project CEO Owen Finegan and Henry Parnell on the green
At just eight-years-old, Nathan Rix learned he had cancer. His treatment journey lasted on and off for nearly a decade, and its impacts will be with him for life. Today, the 36-year-old, who lost his leg in order to beat cancer is doing what it takes to help give other kids like him better cancer treatments through events with The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Augusta it was not, but at the end of a four-ball Ambrose competition at the stunning St Michael’s Golf Club, Nathan enters the clubhouse and returns his team's scorecard. His round of four-under, posted along with team-mates, his uncle John, The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO Owen Finegan, and TKCP Staffer Henry, is a respectable round by any standards – if a little short of the top spot taken out by The Kids’ Cancer Project’s ongoing supporters and Golf Day regulars ProMinent Fluid Controls.
For Nathan, competing isn’t out of the ordinary – he’s a regular at charity golf days and has swum the Bondi to Bronte ocean swim on many occasions to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project. But he’s also not your average competitor.
Growing up in the Macarthur Region in South-West Sydney, Nathan’s journey with cancer started 29 years ago. Today, Nathan is an uncle, a fiancé, an avid swimmer, President of the NSW Amputee Golf board Amputee Golf NSW , and a dedicated fundraiser and advocate for kids’ cancer research. Nathan has even tried his hand at writing and performing his own music Nathan Rix sings "Keep on Keeping On.
More importantly, Nathan is a survivor.
Diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare cancer of the bones and soft tissues, Nathan recalls of his journey:
“I was first diagnosed at eight years of age after a lump was discovered in my right knee. It turned out to be a rare tumour. I undertook countless surgeries, 12 months of intensive chemo, 6 weeks of radiation and spent 10 days in an induced coma.
“My knee and part of my tibia was replaced, but within six months I relapsed again resulting in my right leg being amputated above the knee in May 2005.
“I might have lost my leg. But I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I’m still here to tell a story.”
Sharing that story has become part of Nathan’s mission to help other kids who today are going through what he did. So, after four hours on the course enjoying the various activations like closest to the pin and longest drive, Nathan took to the stage to share his story with our guests, comprised of 32 teams who had taken part in the day, from a wide range of organisations around NSW, each dedicated to helping fund vital kids’ cancer research.
“I want to thank everyone for coming here today and donating money. We’ve come a long way but we’re not there yet, no kid should have to go through what kids struggling against cancer have to go through.”
With three Aussie kids being diagnosed with cancer every day, and a further three tragically dying every week, Nathan is determined to remain focused on what still needs to be done. Sadly, the journey with childhood cancer isn’t over for Nathan’s family – with his own nephew currently fighting cancer.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the child or their family, it affects the entire community. Eight months ago, my little nephew was diagnosed with cancer… he’s going through a tough time and the effect on the family is pretty rough,” Nathan says.
All of us will be keeping Nathan’s nephew and family in our thoughts and Nathan continues with his incredible advocacy and fundraising work. He’s responsible for raising tens of thousands of dollars for The Kids’ Cancer Project through events like the Bondi to Bronte ocean swim, all to help kids like his nephew have access to better, kinder treatments and ultimately find a cure.
The event featured a hilarious appearance from the boys at The Inspired Unemployed, great banter amongst friends and a mixed bag of golfing ability, all while the motivation behind the event was never far from mind, to raise vital funds, allowing us to continue supporting the 43 research projects and 49 Scientists currently funded by The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Whether by registering a team, sponsoring a hole activation, or bidding in the live auction, every guest who attended helped raise a whopping $72,800. Vital funding that will further support kids’ cancer research. A huge thank you to all of those involved who dedicated their time and money to helping create better treatments for kids with cancer, helping to ensure they don’t go through what Nathan had to endure.
With corporate golf events throughout the year in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra, there’s always a great opportunity for you and your team to tee off, make an impact and enjoy a day on the green with The Kids’ Cancer Project.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or how to get involved, please contact Head of Partnerships, Patrick Phibbs.
E: patrick@tkcp.org.au
Team List
Sharp Eit Solutions
RONDO
SWMM
Beyond Bank
Fast Automation
Surf Lifesaving Sunscreen
WOTSO
Express Glass
Nepean EFI
Speirs Ryan
Girvan Group
RAMS
Canon
J Steel
Savills
JCS Hospitality Solutions
All Lift
Wotton & Kearney
Dynasty Electrical
ProMinent Fluid Controls
Willaim Buck
Campbell Advisory
BBW Lawyers
Hawker Roofing