Jeremie Delbosc was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2014 at the age of 24. Despite the incredible efforts of the RMH Department of Neurosurgery – and of course, Jeremie and his wife Sarah – and all the advances in treatment as a result of research, Jeremie passed away on 16th February 2016 at the age of 26.
On the 10th anniversary of Jeremie’s passing, we share a snippet of their story, as told by Sarah Delbosc.
“Today marks 10 years since we lost the most loving husband, adored son and loyal friend and yet it seems like only yesterday Jeremie and I, two very young, optimistic newlyweds were sitting in our lounge room determined that somehow our story would be the exception to the rule. The statistics offered little hope so perhaps unconditional love and belief that there was nothing we couldn't do together would win out.
It was in this moment that ‘Getting A-Head of Brain Cancer’ was started. So grateful, inspired and in awe of the Neuroscience team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, we set out with a goal to raise $5,000. Our mission was to raise awareness and essential funds to help support the work and research efforts of these amazing surgeons, doctors and nurses. We wanted to give back in some small way after the exceptional care, grace and professionalism we had experienced at the most vulnerable and daunting time of our lives.
We celebrated every surgery, every hurdle overcome and milestone. As it would turn out, we lived a lifetime in those two years.
Not long after our diagnosis, the incredible Carrie Bickmore shared her story of Brain Cancer with Australia and set out to raise 1 million dollars. So, we said to ourselves “If Carrie can raise a million, let’s raise $100,000.” We figured she had a slightly bigger platform to work from than us, but this was a worthy goal. Before Jeremie passed away, we were a third of the way there.
In the years after Jeremie passed away, Getting A-Head of Brain Cancer transformed. It became a way to honour the unwavering courage demonstrated in his illness and the profound impact he had on those around him. He never lost sight of the goal or the belief that our story would be the exception. His courage and determination continue to be my inspiration.
‘Run For Jeremie’ became the flagship fundraising event for Getting A-Head of Brain Cancer. The only requirement was that each team member had to set themselves a challenge that was hard for them, that would mean pushing through pain and achieving something you didn’t think was possible. Over the decade, countless friends and family have helped honour Jeremie and help us on our mission to raise awareness and funds to support vital research.
Reflecting now, I think he would be proud of what we have achieved, of what he inspired and the lasting impact he has on so many. I reflect on everything that has happened over the last 10 years and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
To Professor Kate Drummond, Brad Hockey, Mark Rosenthall and Katie Davies - I will never be able to express in words the impact you had on our lives, how different our experience could have been if not for you.
To my darling husband, a hold you in my heart forever and always, and never let go of the incredible privilege it is to be your wife for all of your life.”
You can support brain tumour research, to help save the lives of patients like Jeremie, by donating to the vital on-going research here at the RMH Neuroscience Foundation.
Donate today - in honour of Jeremie.