Glass half-full: How fundraiser Clint Trofa copes with his diagnosis

By Emily Usher | 11 August 2023

Cure Cancer fundraiser Clint Trofa overcame cancer as a young man. More than two decades on, he’s facing the disease all over again. Despite this, he’s determined to help Cure Cancer.

Clint Trofa and his daughter at Rouse Hill Parkrun.

When Clint Trofa found out a good friend had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in his twenties, he was stunned. Cancer wasn’t something that he thought of as affecting people his age. Spurred on by the news, he decided to get checked out by the GP. The results shocked everyone.

“My GP noticed straight away that something wasn’t quite right. He booked me into the hospital for a biopsy, which showed a nasty malignant tumour. I had to have my testicle removed, but I was extremely lucky not to have needed chemo or radiotherapy.”

Clint underwent blood tests and CT scans for the next five years, before finally receiving the all-clear.

A second cancer diagnosis

Clint with his three daughters. 

Now 46, Clint has gone on to live a happy, healthy life, forging a career in forklift truck driving and becoming a father to three beautiful daughters – now 12, 14 and 17. But his world was turned upside down three years ago when a routine blood test detected chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in his blood cells, a type of slow-growing cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. CLL is treatable, but currently has no known cure.

“The CLL diagnosis floored me mentally and physically, particularly after my experiences with testicular cancer many years before. I just didn’t expect to be back here again. Mum and Dad are worried, as most parents would be, and I’m selective about how much I share with my daughters. I’m still at the watch and wait stage, monitoring my white blood cell count. Thankfully, I’m not in need for cancer medication just yet.”

Despite the initial shock, Clint is determined to stay positive, and is concentrating on making healthy changes to his life.  “I’ve switched to a mostly plant-based diet and I’m making sure I take regular exercise. Staying optimistic and addressing my health issues helps me to feel in control.”

Fundraising for a cure

Clint chooses to maintain a glass half-full attitude despite being diagnosed with CLL three years ago after already having survived prostate cancer. 

As part of his new keep-fit regime, Clint last year ran Beach2Beach, a 13km fun run from Dee Why Beach to Newport Beach. Not only did he take part in the race to achieve his personal fitness targets, he also did it to help Cure Cancer.

“After looking into Cure Cancer and its researchers, I discovered that we share a passion. I want to do everything I can to prevent future generations from experiencing cancer, and I know Cure Cancer is working towards the same goal.”

As a result of his experiences, Clint has become a passionate advocate for cancer research. He was planning on taking his efforts to the next level with his own fundraiser, ‘Beach to Blowhole’, a 100km walk from Dunningham Park in Cronulla to Kiama's famous blowhole. However, due to an injury he incurred recently, he can no longer complete this fundraiser. 

But that doesn't mean his advocacy has stopped. This 7 September, Clint will be sharing his story at Cure Cancer's Panel Discussion on Blood Cancer, which forms part of the annual Researcher Symposium, a day celebrating excellence in cancer research. 

A true inspiration

Clint is a passionate advocate of cancer research and hopes he is able to spread positivity and awareness of cancer.

Clint's story is an inspiring example of human resilience. He is dedicated to making a difference and helping others in the face of adversity, and is using his experiences to live every day to the fullest.

“Advancements in cancer research are happening all the time, which keeps me optimistic. But I’m also very aware that, without funding, research can’t move forward. That’s why I’m determined to do my bit.

"Having cancer twice has given me a new perspective on life. In a strange way, there are parts of this journey that have turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

To support someone like Clint, you can make a tax-deductible donation to cutting-edge cancer research today.