Legendary Australian marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse suffers shattering cancer setback
Legendary Australian marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse has suffered a shattering health setback, revealing her cancer from 2022 has returned and spread to her lungs and bones.
Van Wisse rocketed to fame in the early 1990s after she won the Lake Zurich Swim and then swam the English Channel in 1993 and 1994.
Many years later, in 2006, she again made headlines when she broke an 81-year-old record in the New York City to Sandy Hook 35km marathon.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Van Wisse, now 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and had a traumatic time following a double mastectomy.
A severe infection and multiple emergency surgeries followed, “including one that was touch and go due to septicaemia”, a new GoFundMe page read.
The GoFundMe is called, “Support Tammy VanWisse, in her toughest challenge yet!”
It said after her cancer went into remission in July 2023 — following “six long months of chemotherapy and radiation” — it had returned and was now Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
The GoFundMe is attempting to raise funds that will help with medical costs, living expenses, and ongoing care “to give her the stability she deserves while she fights this battle”.
“At the start of this month, Tammy began experiencing pain she thought was from overtraining at the gym. A GP visit and further scans revealed devastating news … her cancer has returned, spreading to her lungs and bones,” the page said.
“While the disease is incurable, it is treatable, and Tammy is determined to face this next chapter with the same courage, spirit, and endurance that carried her across the world’s most treacherous waters.
“She is now undergoing ongoing hormone and radiation therapy, with regular PET scans and monthly oncologist appointments.
“As a single mother with a mortgage, Tammy’s strength has always gone toward supporting others, inspiring hundreds of thousands of swimmers and athletes through her story of resilience, purpose, and determination. This time, it’s our turn to swim beside her.
“Tammy has shown us what’s possible when you never give up. Now, it’s our chance to help her keep fighting, with the same courage, grace, and heart that has inspired so many.”
At the time of writing, the page had raised just under $6000 with a goal of $80,000.
Click here to support the Tammy van Wisse gofundme page.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
