Simon Mirtschin planning final year of his life after brain cancer diagnosis
Everything had fallen into place for Simon Mirtschin.
In the second week of January he married the love of his life, Sarah, in a bohemian-themed ceremony held in their Mayfield backyard.
When they weren't working, they'd be snorkelling at the beach, going out for coffee, eating good food or going camping - just lots of normal things people in their 20s do. The pair had also been talking about starting a family by the end of the year.
And then, on January 28, Simon had a seizure.
A week later the 26-year-old was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of malignant brain cancer: glioblastoma. He was told he had 12 months left to live.
"The final piece of advice our neurosurgeon gave us was to begin our bucket list so that Simon can enjoy what time he has left," Sarah said.
Faced with such devastating news, the newlyweds have started developing their to-do list. The most important item for Simon to tick off is holding his child in his arms for the first time:
"I've pretty much wanted kids my whole life. I think the biggest thing is that moment when your first hold your kid - I'm excited.
"It upsets me to think I won't be there for the first day of school, formal, or wedding.
"It is a bit scary to think I'll be leaving a child behind."
Sarah, 23, said they would go down the IVF path if they couldn't fall pregnant before Simon started his chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
"We're planning to get the IVF done by the end of April so that he can hold his child," she said.
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"If he does die in 12 months' time from January, he'll have held his baby for two months.
"That's probably the most magical thing I can give him.
"It's the thing that's keeping me so healthy and positive at the moment - I know by the end of the year, I'll have a baby.
"I know that when he goes, I'll have something that will keep me grounded: a reason to wake up in the morning."
The pair's bucket list also includes reliving trips they've shared around Australia, bringing forward Simon's 30th and 50th birthday celebrations and even singing lessons.
One place they've marked down to visit is Byron Bay, where they once had "the best pizza" of their lives.
The couple also plan to have a night out at Melbourne Mexican restaurant Mamasita - a place they once had a date together earlier in their relationship.
"We don't put a whole lot of value on materialistic things, these things have sentimental value," said Sarah, who has quit her job as a massage therapist to become Simon's full-time carer.
Simon - who is on sick leave from his job as an avionics technician at Williamtown RAAF Base - said he was taking things day by day.
Sarah and Simon plan to document their journey on Instagram using #thebucketofsimon.
If you want to donate to help them achieve their bucket list, visit the campaign.
SIMON'S BUCKET LIST
- Travel and explore Kakadu
- Camp by the beach in Byron Bay
- Road trip to Melbourne to revisit loved ones
- Dine at Mamsita Mexican restaurant (again)
- Camp at the Ottway Ranges
- Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef
- Travel to Exmouth/Ningaloo Reef and swim with whale sharks
- Visit Darwin, watch the sunset over the Mindil Markets
- Take singing lessons
- Hold a drag queen party
- Experience the joy of new life (have a child)
- Snorkel A LOT!
- Take a road trip along the east coast