Tobias was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma aged 18 and remains resolute to help unlock new treatments at Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute and, in the process, help develop a better understanding of the disease that had ravaged his body.

He wants no-one to experience what he did.

“It is tough. I could not believe I had cancer at 18 when I was leaving high school and my whole adult life was just starting,” Tobias said.

“The experience has definitely changed my outlook on life and has ingrained in me the need for a healthy diet. I have always been fairly fit and active...Anyone can get cancer and it’s hard not knowing why.”

A career in cancer research was not always Tobias’ main focus after beating his own cancer.

Tobias started studying commerce but took a chemistry elective. Chemistry had him hooked and he swapped to biomedical science at Federation University, where he is studying his PhD.

Strongly influenced by his personal experience, Tobias is focused on the MAIT cell which scientists believe could be regulating and controlling other immune system cells – and it could be important in killing cancer.

“I didn’t understand anything about my cancer (as a patient) and I want to learn more...You can follow lots of trails in study,” Tobias said.

“Doing PhD can be hard, long hours and tight deadlines but I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I did, particularly the chemotherapy drugs.”

Tobias, who grew up in Yass, first started getting constant headaches and a sore throat that no painkillers could ease. He also had bad night sweats and fever.

He fell so ill, he was taken to Canberra hospital and to this day can only remember fleeting glimpses of his two-week stay.

Doctors initially treated for a ruptured oesophagus and blood poisoning. Tobias was later diagnosed with NHL at The Alfred.

Lemonade icy poles still get to Tobias. He cannot even stand the smell. It takes him back to endless tastings in a bid to prevent mouth ulcers during chemotherapy.

A keen triathlete, Tobias will ride to fight cancer on February 18.

Reach4Research Ballarat Cycle Classic is the primary fundraising drive for FECRI, which receives no government funding. Details: reach4research.com.au.

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