Six swimmers from Australian Defence Force take on 2022 Port to Pub to raise money for Pirate Ship Foundation

A group of swimmers with ties to the Australian Defence Force are set to brave the 2022 Port to Pub to raise money for childhood brain cancer research after seeing the impact an aggressive brain tumour had on a young Secret Harbour man who was “ready to conquer the world”. Jack Cummins was diagnosed with medulloblastoma on November 26, 2019 at just 16 years old, with doctors saying at the time if the cancer was left undiagnosed, he would have died within six weeks. Jack is now 19 and his father Tim — an OAM recipient and submariner with the Royal Australian Navy — has entered a team of six in this year’s Port to Pub swim made up of Defence Force members and contractors to raise money for the Pirate Ship Foundation. Mr Cummins said the Pirate Ship Foundation — led by Dr Raelene Endersby and Dr Nick Gottardo — had funded vital research into improving childhood brain tumour treatments and cures. The father said grants from the Pirate Ship Foundation allowed Jack to partake in a new clinical brain cancer trial, SJMB12, which he said was “why my son is still here today”. Mr Cummins and his colleagues, known as The Jolly Rogers, are aiming to raise $50,000 for the organisation that has given so much to Jack. “The Port2Pub was suggested by a work colleague, who wanted to do “more” as he was saddened to learn that brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease,” Mr Cummins said. “Firstly Jack thought I was mad, but he is humbled and thankful to the team and supporting businesses. “I am proud to be fundraising for a worthwhile cause as without the support of the Pirate Ship Foundation, my son would not have been able to participate in this clinical trial.” Mr Cummins said the treatment for childhood brain cancer has not changed for over 30 years and therefore neither has the survival rate. He said treatments can be harsh and take a toll on the children who go through them. “If successful, the impacts of treatment are severe and lifelong, including stroke, permanent hair loss, partial paralysis, neurocognitive defects, difficulty eating, cataracts, stunted growth, thyroid and hormonal issues, and difficulty coping in social situations,” he said. “Unlike most situations where after you have your medicine you get better, the impacts of some treatments can take years to show and some side effects worsen over time. “The impact on the whole family is devastating, including job losses, needing to move house to be nearer to the hospital, implementing complicated care and medical regimes all on top of the fear of losing their child. “Siblings often feel like they come second and struggle to understand why this has happened.” Mr Cummins said there was currently no treatment for the relapse of any childhood brain cancer, and funds would go to vital research into improving childhood brain tumour treatments and cures. Life goes on for 19-year-old Jack, who is now cancer-free but still undergoes extensive rehabilitation and occupational therapy. Mr Cummins said he could now walk using mobility aids and while his speech was still slurred, it had improved significantly. Jack was also recently accepted to study at Curtin University, which was a goal of his before being diagnosed with brain cancer.