Father-of-three loses fight with melanoma
LOVE your family and protect your skin – these are just two pieces of wisdom we can learn from Regency Downs dad Jason Blackwood.
Right up until his final breath, Mr Blackwood championed his own looming fate, living every day like his last.
Family was always the priority for the father-of-three, but after being diagnosed with stage four melanoma in 2016, his focus on those close to him heightened even more.
Until he could fight no longer, he was adamant he wanted to be home with his wife Janelle, and their children Nathan, Scott and Emma.
Mr Blackwood’s death was imminent but complaining wasn’t in his vocabulary, according to his mother-in-law Helen Masson.
Despite his constant intake and dependence on immunotherapy drugs, he not only used his time to make memories for his kids to cherish, but to also help others.
After being diagnosed with an impossible challenge, Mr Blackwood didn’t take long to become an advocate for skin protection.
The Gatton agronomist used his story to enact change in others and became involved in the Elder’s Stand Up Speak Up initiative, urging people to get their skin checked and seek early treatment.
Mr Blackwood lost his battle on March 18. He was just 45-years-old.
While Mr Blackwood has no time left to give, his family will continue the message of sun safety by walking in the Melanoma March.
His family is “absolutely shattered” at the thought of living life without their genuine, caring and family-orientated dad, husband, brother and son.
On Saturday, community members will attend an event in his honour at the Gatton Redbacks Football Club, which will raise money for the family.
The club will host a live auction with more than $30,000 of donated goods up for grabs.
All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Blackwood family.
Sale profits from the bar and canteen will also go to the family. The event will be held on Saturday, March 30 from 6pm.