Teenager's Personal Cancer Struggle Strengthens Resolve for Medical Career
Marco Suarez, an 18-year-old from Wyoming on the Central Coast, is confronting a profound personal challenge after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer known as Ewing's sarcoma. This diagnosis comes just over two years after the tragic loss of his father, Fab Suarez, to a rare form of leukemia in September 2023. Despite these hardships, Marco's determination to pursue a career in medical science has only intensified, driven by a deep-seated desire to help others through scientific innovation.
A Legacy of Selflessness and Hope
When his father underwent cancer treatment, Marco shaved his head in solidarity, a gesture that now takes on new meaning as he faces his own medical journey. "I've always had a love of science and wanted to help people where I can," Marco explained, highlighting his altruistic mindset. His selflessness is further demonstrated through his plans for a GoFundMe campaign titled "Marco's Fight." He intends to donate a portion of the funds raised to the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse's You Can Centre, a facility that provides comfort and support to young adults aged 14 to 29 living with cancer, describing it as a "haven of comfort."
Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
The discovery of Marco's cancer followed a hiking trip in New Zealand with his mother, Ellen Suarez, and his uncle last year. Shortly after returning, he began experiencing soreness in his neck and shoulder, which led to the identification of a visible lump. Medical referrals quickly resulted in scans and a confirmed diagnosis just two days before Christmas, adding emotional weight to the holiday season. Doctors detected a 75-millimetre sarcoma protruding from both sides of his humerus bone, a condition that, while severe, was fortunately not hidden, allowing for prompt intervention.
Marco is currently undergoing 17 cycles of chemotherapy. After the sixth cycle, medical professionals will reassess his progress through scans to determine the next steps, which may include surgical options such as bone removal, replacement with a rod, or irradiation. Throughout this process, Marco maintains a positive outlook, stating, "I'm just trying to stay positive and keep on keeping on. I could let it keep me down, but what's the point of that?"
Family Resilience and Spiritual Reflection
For Ellen Suarez, Marco's diagnosis triggered painful memories of her husband's battle with leukemia, including two bone marrow transplants. "To be honest, I had a bit of PTSD, having gone through that with Fab," she admitted. However, she has chosen to view this experience as an opportunity for growth, taking six months off work to support Marco fully. "The more I thought about it, there were obviously things I needed to learn that I didn't learn the first time around," Ellen reflected, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and finding inner peace amidst adversity.
Heather Bech, a family friend, initiated the fundraiser with a faith-based motivation, explaining, "My faith in Jesus teaches me that when someone is walking through suffering, we don't stand at a distance, we step in. Loving people in practical ways is how I live out what I believe." Initially hesitant, Marco and Ellen agreed to the campaign, seeing it as a means to fund Marco's dream of traveling to central Europe, particularly Germany, to explore castles and history once he recovers.
Looking Forward with Determination
Marco, who completed his HSC last year, had planned a gap year for travel, and the fundraiser now offers a beacon of hope for that future. "It's great to have something to look forward to," he remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining aspirations beyond his illness. His story not only highlights the harsh realities of cancer but also showcases remarkable resilience, community support, and an unwavering commitment to turning personal tragedy into a force for good in the medical field.
