Brave battler's joyful 'Jaunt Up The Jetty'

Cancer is a word that strikes fear in many hearts, but brain cancer takes that fear to another level.

For Nina Concannon, this fear became a reality twelve years ago after a seizure in her sleep led to a devastating diagnosis of Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma.

Given only seven years to live with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Nina, her husband Tim, and their three young daughters faced a tremendous challenge.

Determined to defy the odds, Nina chose an alternative path that included fasting, nutritional changes, and a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Despite a lack of data on the alternative approach, Nina’s decision saw her survive well beyond the initial prognosis.

By 2015, Nina’s tumour was growing slowly, and her medical team again discussed the prospect of using chemotherapy and radiation. Nina instead sought integrative oncology treatment in Thailand, with the support of friends and family.

The treatment used a combination of chemotherapy and holistic approaches, halting the tumour’s growth for 12 months, but financial constraints forced her to reconsider traditional therapies in WA.

In late 2016, Nina embarked on a course of chemotherapy, however, after only a month, her body could not tolerate the treatment.

Her oncologist stopped the treatment immediately, and her next MRI revealed a miraculous outcome – Nina’s tumour had disappeared.

For the next three years, the tumour remained in remission.

In April 2020, amidst the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new tumour appeared in a different part of Nina’s brain. It was deemed inoperable in WA, so Nina sought the advice of renowned neurosurgeon Professor Charlie Teo in Sydney.

Despite the risks, Prof Teo’s confidence in Nina’s resilience led to a successful surgery.

Now more than four years later, Nina continues to live with joy despite physical limitations, making the most of life and establishing connections with many in the South West who have battled, or continue to fight brain cancer.

Her upcoming ‘Jaunt Up The Jetty’ is another way she plans to raise awareness and funds for much needed research.

The sunset walk will welcome all community members to join in the relaxed, family-friendly evening. Enjoy ukulele tunes from the Ladybugs, bring a picnic or savour a Vasse Lions’ sausage sizzle, or a donut from the Apex Club of Busselton.

Nina has also spent 2024 folding 1000 origami cranes for a special installation to be unveiled at the event, with an opportunity for participants to create their own cranes before taking part in the walk on the iconic jetty.

Gather at the Busselton Foreshore (Dunsborough side of Kyst) from 5.30pm on Saturday February 1.

Funds raised will go to the Charlie Teo Foundation.