I beat cancer, now I want to help others

Iain Hyndman | 19th November 2009

No bridge is too far for Carter Rohloff. The teenager's young life was in turmoil four years ago when he was diagnosed with life-threatening acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Today, however, the 19-year-old from Wanganui is in full remission and about to tackle a task many healthy young Kiwis would find a bridge too far.

Carter is in training to run the half marathon in the annual Wanganui Round The Bridges event on December 12 and he is using the run as a fundraiser to repay kindness and support given to him and his family during his lengthy recovery process.

"Child Cancer [Foundation] was absolutely amazing during my recovery. I had to be driven to Wellington several times a month, sometimes several times a week, for chemotherapy and radiation treatment," he said.

"They provided full support to me and my family, including petrol vouchers, and I'm keen to repay that kindness. Another reason I want to run the half marathon is to inspire my sick grandmother. Nana is in Hospice Wanganui battling cancer and I want to show her if I can run a half marathon, she might be able to hang on a bit longer."

He is seeking support from the community - business houses, groups or individuals. "During my treatment I met kids with far more serious problems than I had, even though mine was life-threatening.

"I also gained so much respect for the medical staff who helped me through and I'm keen to do anything I can to help their cause."

Even before his diagnosis at 15, Carter was a budding golfer and, in the latter stages of his treatment, was zeroing in on a scratch handicap.

He has since put golf aside to concentrate on his fundraising, drawing on lessons from his studies for a Certificate in Sport Exercise and Sport Performance at UCOL in Palmerston North to get fit for the 21km run.

"I plan to have buckets for donations around the course," he said.

Donors can also go to: www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/carterrohloff/ and hit the donate tab, or call him on (06) 345 6718.