Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Tomorrow is Rare Cancer Awareness Day, and I want to recognise a bloke from Branxton in my electorate Noel Carmona. Noel is a miner, a husband, a dad, a bloke who loves his sport and a beer and is well respected around the community. In 2023, after a cough just wouldn't go away, he was diagnosed with stage 4 thymic carcinoma, a cancer so rare it's been described as one in a million. Since then, Noel has been through more than anybody should have to face. He's had surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials. Part of his tumour couldn't be removed because it was attached to his thymus, lung and heart. On top of that, he's had to wear the costs for this treatment himself because it wasn't covered by the PBS, all while still fighting for more time with his precious wife and their young son, Mateo.

But Noel's story isn't just about cancer. It's about guts, determination and looking out for others. Even while going through treatment, he spoke up for people going through and living with rare cancers and pushed for better support. He's a proud member of the Hunter Valley Pie Hunters, and I'm looking forward to catching up with Noel for a beer, a pie, a banh mi and a burger soon. Do you know how we find out about these sorts of things? We go and see our GPS and bulk-billing GPS. The Albanese Labor government has made sure there are more bulk-billing GPS all around this beautiful country. Remember, blokes, if you're out there, go and see your GP, get a blood test and get a check-up. Cheers.