Ross Wadman
The owner and founder of the NZ Cancer Retreat, Ross Wadman was diagnosed in 1990 with a malignant tumour in his C spine aged just 22 years
His story of survival and the changes he made, both mentally, physically, spiritually and most importantly nutritionally has inspired many to follow the same path into spontaneous remission.
His journey and the inception of an education centre for cancer sufferers and their caregivers, was not available when he was in need. The transition between modern and holistic medicine is the most important question cancer sufferers and their caregivers are asking today.
“I’m a genuine fence sitter”, he says. Most of those teaching holistic medicine today are “anti” the modern regime. If it wasn’t for modern medicine I would not be here today – he says.
Samantha Wadman
I clearly remember the phone call from the Doctor asking Ross where he was, and how he could get to Middlemore Hospital ASAP. He started talking helicopters or sending a plane.
They had discovered a tumour was eating away his spine. We lived 5 hours away; “I will see you tomorrow, after work” was his reply. We had 20 tonne of fish to load and drive to Auckland that night, and we were both naive to the danger.
The pain had been getting worse for months and we finally had the answer. Within hours of our arrival, he went into theatre and was put into traction. We waited for biopsy results and the words “malignant tumour”, “a rare cancer” went round and round my head.
Weeks turned into months as I watched him lie in bed opposite the nurse’s station waiting while they figured out what to do.
He survived the surgery; I lost count after 8 hours. They couldn’t get it all they said.
We lived at Domain Lodge where daily visits to the oncology unit was the norm. The staff at Domain Lodge and the oncology unit were wonderful.
At the end of his treatment I will never forget the brief conversation he had with the professor of oncology, it went like this:
Ross: How long have I got?
Professor: What do you like doing?
Ross: I like fishing
Professor: Go fishing – go and do all the things you like to do. As there is no guarantee, we got it all.
The cancer you have is not only very rare but also highly malignant.
When I tell someone this, at your age they normally want to hit alcohol or drugs.
Ross: I don’t do drugs but I love a beer.
He looked at me, we thanked this bearded gentlemen and Ross said: “let’s go fishing”.
So much went over my head. We were living this nightmare.
I supported my husband through the next few years, where the certainty of living a long life wasn’t that promising.
Through an extremely positive and determined outlook on life, I realised that a few years had now passed. The numerous scans were all clear. I cannot explain what an amazing feeling that was! Now 26 years and four children later we both live an incredibly healthy and positive lifestyle
Koralee Wadman
Hi, I am Koralee Wadman, daughter of Ross and Samantha Wadman.
I grew up with an ambulance in our driveway and remember my father “taking off” lights and sirens all hours of the day or night. I also remember after we moved Dad being away for four days and nights then coming home again and again.
Mum and Dad had an “open” budget when it came to fruit and vegetables, and I thought this was the norm.
I grew up in the kitchen next to my mum, sister and 2 brothers and developed a keen interest in healthy nutrition.
This has become a personal journey for me and as well as achieving my Diploma in Teaching Yoga, and a qualified Personal Trainer, I continue my study in Nutritional Science.
I am a home cook who loves to cook with whole and unprocessed foods. I love making a difference in peoples lives by helping them nourish their bodies, their minds and soul with good nutrition, yoga, meditation and exercise.
Having all these factors in order, help reduce stress, anxiety and depression and potential for illness.
There are no secrets in Koralee’s Kitchen. I look forward to sharing my passion of good whole foods, and making a difference in your life.
