“Everybody dies, but not everybody truly lives” – Westmead Hospital patient

*** We regretfully announce this patient passed away on 7 February 2018. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s latest Humans of the Hospital Facebook segment features the powerful words of a 42-year-old terminally ill Westmead Hospital patient.

In the midst of his illness, he is incredibly positive and has shared some motivational words for everyone – below is his story.

The patient’s name has been withheld at his request.

His story has reached almost 40,000 people on the Western Sydney Local Health District Facebook page.

“Doctors told me I would pass away on October 15. I’ve now been alive for 88 days since then,” he said.

“Five years ago I was diagnosed with myxofibro, a rare form of cancer. Ever since I have been in and out of hospital receiving surgery to treat a tumor in my heart and lung. In September last year the cancer came back and spread into the left atrium of my heart. It was diagnosed as inoperable. A month later, my cardiologist confirmed I was terminally ill.

“I’m told I will experience a stroke or my heart will stop. Doctors say it’s a miracle blood is flowing through my heart. I tell them they can’t tell me when I’m going to die. I keep telling everyone I’m going to live.

“I’ve made it through Christmas and the next milestone is my daughters’ birthdays on February 15 and 27. I’m thankful for every day I get.

“Everybody dies, but not everybody truly lives. Don’t wait to be terminally ill to live. Truly living has nothing to do with material things. Happiness has nothing to do with what you bought like your house, or your car or things that will make you feel good for Instagram. When you’re dying your house or your car will not comfort you. Family and friends will. They’re the only things that count.

“To me the three most important values are family, knowing love and faith. With faith, comes hope. You don’t know how strong you are until it’s the only thing you’ve got left.”

The patient will be discharged from Westmead Hospital tomorrow to spend the weekend at The Star with his family.