Olympian Matt Glaetzer puts support behind Australia’s Biggest ‘Virtual’ Morning Tea

South Australian Olympic Cyclist Matt Glaetzer is putting down his bike and picking up a cuppa to support Australia’s Biggest ‘Virtual’ Morning Tea this May. 

Matt was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 2019 and had an operation in November to remove the tumour in his throat.

Now back training for the Toyko Olympics, he credits his support network for helping to get him through and is now passionate about sharing his story to support others

“Receiving a diagnosis like that out of the blue, especially when I was so fit and healthy, was a complete shock. It was pretty heavy to get the call, but I’m also incredibly thankful that the doctors caught it early and I was able to get onto it pretty quickly,” he said.

“I’m still able to train as normal which is great, but I do need to have regular blood tests to make sure my medication is still doing its job,” he said.

Now on the road to recovery, Matt’s message to South Australians is simple—through hosting a Biggest Virtual Morning Tea, you are making a huge difference to the lives of those facing the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

“I know that I had an incredible support network and am really lucky that my cancer was caught early,” he said.

“Cancer Council SA plays a really important role in providing a much needed support network to people going through cancer, as well as reducing the impact of the disease on future generations.”

“Having friends affected by cancer, and now going through it myself, I understand how truly hard it can be at times. The whole cancer experience taught me a lot of things and I now want do my part to make things a little bit easier for those diagnosed in the future by sharing my story and helping organisations like Cancer Council SA.”

“I’m incredibly proud to be supporting Cancer Council’s Biggest Virtual Morning Tea this year and encourage people to connect with family, friends and loved ones, host a virtual event online and raise funds for to support those who need it most,” he said.

The Olympian also has a very special message for those currently going through cancer treatment.

“To anyone going through a cancer diagnosis, you are never alone through this time. Lean on your family and friends for support and focus on what you can do at the moment, rather then the things that are out of your control.”

The official day to host a virtual Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday 28 May however hosts can register and to hold their event any time throughout May and June.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Lincoln Size said that fundraising is now more important than ever before and will support South Australians impacted by cancer like Matt, now and in the future.

“We are incredibly grateful to South Australians who are continuing their morning tea tradition by hosting a virtual event and raising vital funds to enable us to continue our work towards a cancer free future.”

“Every cuppa poured, and every dollar raised enables us to continue investing in lifesaving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs—programs such as Cancer Council 13 11 20 and the Cancer Council Lodges on Greenhill Road and Dequetteville Terrace.”

For more information or to register to host a virtual event visit the website here.

The official day to host a Virtual Morning Tea is Thursday 28 May however you can register to host an event any time throughout May or June.

Every host who registers will receive a free digital host kit with everything they need to make their virtual morning tea a success.