The Dubbo community is once again being called upon to help a local family in their hour of need.
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Dubbo Westside rugby league player Robbie Olsen, one of the guiding forces in getting the Rabbitohs back into Group 11, is currently fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
In early October the 36-year-old was admitted to hospital for day surgery to remove a lump on his kidney.
A mistake during the procedure saw him placed in an induced coma and airlifted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.
Since then he has been diagnosed with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC), a cancer that sees 1-2 people per million diagnosed.
I think they tried to keep it a bit quiet early on, but now that it is out we’re rallying behind them and organising basically anything we can to help them out.
- Chad Parkes
Olsen is a man who plays on the edge on the football field. But he is also a devoted husband, a father of three young children, and a community worker.
One his best mates Chad Parkes, who shared a Group 11 reserve grade title with Olsen in 2015, said everything is being done to help the family.
“I think all of Robbie and Melissa’s family and friends have been in shock. It’s one of those things where you don’t actually realise how lucky you are until something like this happens,” Mr Parkes said.
“I think they tried to keep it a bit quiet early on, but now that it is out we’re rallying behind them and organising basically anything we can to help them out.”
As such, a fundraiser has been organised for November 18, and a GoFundMe page has also been established to take donations.
In just two days it had raised more than $2000 to help the family with costs while Robbie recuperates and Melissa supports him.
“What we’re hoping is that people will wrap themselves around Robbie and his family, donate something for an auction or raffle, donate cash, or turn up to the fundraiser itself,” Mr Parkes said.
“I played footy with and against Robbie. I hated him when I played against him but I love playing with him.
“He’s tough, he doesn’t take a backward step and he was made a life member of our club at our presentation night.
“Now he’s in his biggest battle, but we’re there to support him and the family.”
To donate to the cause visit www.gofundme.com.au and search for Robbie Olsen’s Medical Appeal.