A Melbourne dad and motorsport enthusiast, diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, has been treated to some high-octane fun at Sandown Raceway.
As reported by 9News, a member of patient Luke Straub’s care team at Moorabbin Hospital – Monash Health Palliative Care Physician, Associate Professor Jackie Yoong – put the pedal to the metal to organise the thrilling high-speed experience for him.
‘I grew up loving cars. My dad worked for Holden as an electrical engineer and would come home all the time with new prototype cars. I would be in awe listening to him talking about each one,’ said Luke.
At the motor racing circuit in Springvale, the father-of-5 toured the garages alongside Chief Safety Officer from WAP Motorsport Safety, Shaun Maloney.
Luke got up close to cars by manufacturers Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Porsche, Mustang, Corvette, BMW and Mercedes.
With Luke in the passenger seat and Jackie at the wheel, the pair did a few laps of the circuit in a Porsche GT4 RS.
Chief Instructor and Director at Evolve Driving, Dean Sammut, then took Luke on hot laps.
‘I love how fast you can go on a track versus the road. Such an adrenaline rush!’ said Luke.
Luke’s wife and two teenage children got in on the action, with a professional driver taking them for a spin too.
Bonding over cars
Luke was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer last year.
The 47-year-old stair builder has undergone radiation and chemotherapy at Moorabbin Hospital, meeting Palliative Care Physician, Jackie, along the way.
‘The minute Jackie went to see Luke, they just had this amazing banter that fell into place. And then they started talking about cars, and then their passion for cars, and they just hit it off!’ said Luke’s wife, Kelly Frenkel.
Monash Health Palliative Care Physician Jackie Yoong at Moorabbin Hospital.
Eight months ago, Luke lost his hearing. His vision has also been affected.
‘When life has gotten bumpy Jackie’s always been there to offer support, care and empathy. She has made this journey less scary and has definitely given me many good laughs,’ said Luke.
‘My wife and I feel so blessed to have Jackie and the rest of the Moorabbin Hospital medical team looking after me.’
Jackie says palliative care is not only about looking after a patient’s medical needs.
‘Palliative care is a key part of oncology care, which is provided at Monash Health by a fantastic multidisciplinary team comprising oncologists, nurses, and allied health professionals,’ said Jackie.
‘We strive to understand the patient as a person, and part of that is understanding what brings them joy. When you can tap into what a patient is passionate about it can be a nice diversion for them rather than always just focusing on the pain, the medicine, the cancer.’
Luke and his family are taking each day as it comes.
The day at the track is a day they will remember forever.
‘I cannot thank everyone enough for allowing me to come down here. It is the first time I have ever been behind the gates. It is just amazing!’ said Luke.