Wayne Reynolds was a sixteen year old teenager with a great love and zest for life. He had everything to live for: he was in the top academic class of the school, athletically built, sporty, good looking, had a wicked sense of humour and a fun loving, charismatic personality. Love of family was central in Wayne's life as he had very close bonds with his parents, Ruth and Bruce, sisters Hayley and Lynda, and brother-in-law Steve.
He was tragically struck down in his prime with the cruel, relentless disease Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (cancer of the blood), on top of which he contracted a rare, deadly fungal infection, Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis. The complexity of his combined ailments meant Wayne was on a daily routine of intravenous drugs, medications, blood transfusions, clinic appointments, HBO treatments and wound care - a punishing schedule, at times averaging 8 to 11 appointments per week.
Wayne's strong Christian faith, together with his amazingly positive attitude, courage and strength of character, saw him through an extremely severe trial of constant pain and suffering. His epic battle against all odds was truly awe-inspiring for his family and friends.
The following is a brief account of the 18 months of Wayne's illness and treatment...
1. The Diagnosis2. The Complication
3. The Paradox
4. The HBO Treatment
5. The Breakthrough
6. The Stolen Hope
7. The Final Days