PRESIDENT Jim Stynes has been awarded the Herald Sun’s Victorian of the Year.
Stynes’ resilience was one of the reasons why he received the title.
The Melbourne great and universally admired Stynes said: "It's a privileged position to be in when you are getting so much public support and people are saying such nice things and being so supportive," he said.
"That can make all the difference, particularly when you are sick."
Highly-respected writer Patrick Carlyon said about Stynes: “There are many others who have topped their fields, or changed lives, or set about helping others with uncommon generosity.
“Stynes stands above them, as much for what he represents as what he has achieved in the past 12 months.
“He has won the honour before. Yet he has never been so deserving. Stynes has fronted for his beliefs and passions, from his footy club to his charity, with a buzz of intent that continues to mock his fragile look.”
Carlyon painted a remarkable picture of Stynes’ remarkable journey.
“Nine months is the average life expectancy when people are diagnosed with Jim Stynes' form of cancer,” he said.
“It is 29 months since the former Melbourne footballer announced that a removed lump had turned out to be a melanoma, and that his cancer had "spread a bit".
“Since then, through brain and stomach operations, chemotherapy and coffee enemas, Stynes has held a line in optimism that defies all the probabilities of modern medicine.
“His attitude helps explain his greatest feat - the simple act of still being here.”
Stynes’ resilience was one of the reasons why he received the title.
The Melbourne great and universally admired Stynes said: "It's a privileged position to be in when you are getting so much public support and people are saying such nice things and being so supportive," he said.
"That can make all the difference, particularly when you are sick."
Highly-respected writer Patrick Carlyon said about Stynes: “There are many others who have topped their fields, or changed lives, or set about helping others with uncommon generosity.
“Stynes stands above them, as much for what he represents as what he has achieved in the past 12 months.
“He has won the honour before. Yet he has never been so deserving. Stynes has fronted for his beliefs and passions, from his footy club to his charity, with a buzz of intent that continues to mock his fragile look.”
Carlyon painted a remarkable picture of Stynes’ remarkable journey.
“Nine months is the average life expectancy when people are diagnosed with Jim Stynes' form of cancer,” he said.
“It is 29 months since the former Melbourne footballer announced that a removed lump had turned out to be a melanoma, and that his cancer had "spread a bit".
“Since then, through brain and stomach operations, chemotherapy and coffee enemas, Stynes has held a line in optimism that defies all the probabilities of modern medicine.
“His attitude helps explain his greatest feat - the simple act of still being here.”
