Run and have fun for a cause A DIAGNOSIS of terminal cancer was the last thing Mt Eliza father of two Geoff Nyssen was expecting three weeks after turning 40. Life was on track in 2014 for the corporate high-flyer who lived a “normal” life, focussing on success and “getting ahead”. That was until a diagnosis of terminal blood cancer turned his life upside down. Inspirational in so many ways, Mr Nyssen has met the challenge head on and is re-directing his energies into raising money for Myeloma Australia to support the carers and families of multiple myeloma patients. In between working part time as an environmental engineer and undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, the 43-year-old has gathered the help of friends and family to organise a Mt Eliza Run & Fun Festival 7.30am – 3.30pm on Sunday 26 March at Emil Madsen Reserve. “It’s disempowering to be diagnosed with cancer, but I feel that I was very lucky not to have lost a limb, as so many myeloma sufferers do,” he said. While the future is unclear, today’s new normal for Mr Nyssen involves trying to be as deliberate and useful with his time as possible. He connects with people through online writing and public presentations, and shares stories about how he has used nutrition, exercise, meditation, gratitude and goal setting to derive a purposeful life for himself. He has prioritised time with his family and is grateful to be able to walk his two young children to school, listening, talking and learning on the way. “For all of us, time can disappear so quickly and so I try to prioritise and do things that are meaningful. “I don’t subscribe to the fact that I won’t be here in two years, or 10 years, or whatever the textbooks say, but I do want to make sure I spend whatever time I have left doing things that matter.” Mr Nyssen said he hoped the festival, which will include activities for children and adults, will be an opportunity for people to connect with each other for a good cause. Read more about Mr Nyssen’s life at http://geoffnyssen.com/ Liz Bell
IT might have a new name, but the school remains the same. The Peninsula School at Mt Eliza is now to be known as Peninsula Grammar. Originally known as the Peninsula Church of England School for Boys and then The Peninsula School after enrolment was extended to girls, principal Stuart Johnston says Peninsula Grammar “better reflects who we are today”. In a letter sent to members of The Old Peninsula School Association, or TOPSA Alumni Network, Mr Johnston said the decision to make the change this year follows “consultation with parents, staff and the community”. “There will be little that changes for us as a result of our new name – we will continue to provide the highest quality education in a proudly co-educational environment,” Mr Johnston stated. “Our core values remain the same and our students will continue to learn, grow and flourish here in Mornington Peninsula’s premier co-educational school.”
Library for babies ROSEBUD and Mornington libraries are holding weekly baby time sessions. The sessions at the four peninsula libraries are designed to help a baby’s mind grow by learning new words, singing songs and developing language and concentration. The 30-minute baby time sessions are for children aged up to 12 months. Baby time will be held at 2pm on Thursdays at Hastings; 11am Mondays at Rosebud; 11am Fridays, Mornington; and 2pm on the first Thursday of the month at Somerville. Sessions are free and no bookings are required, details ourlibrary.mornpen.vic. gov.au
Inspirational strength: Geoff Nyssen is hoping to help others through the Mt Eliza festival. Picture: Gary Sissons
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Mornington News 7 February 2017
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