October Member of the Month Mike Cunningham - A Fighter's Spirit: Mike Cunningham’s Unstoppable Battle
More than pulling his weight at 80 years and training 5 times a week
What’s amazing is Mike comes in the day after his Chemo treatment the day most people feel their worst, to fight the battle
Mike and Tuffy doing Pad’s with the Oro welcome Song
A Fighter's Spirit: Mike Cunningham’s Unstoppable Battle
In the rugged, untamed landscapes of Papua New Guinea's Northern District, young Michael Cunningham patrolled the wilds of Popondetta and Kokoda. A world away from the quiet suburban life he would later lead, these formative years forged a character of resilience and courage.
Fast forward to the present, and Mike, now a seasoned 80-year-old, is locked in another fierce battle, this time against a formidable opponent: cancer. But this isn't a fight he's facing alone. In his corner, he has two powerful allies: Tuffy, his dedicated boxing trainer, and Fortitude Gym, his second home.
After a decade of daring adventures in PNG, Mike returned to Australia and embarked on a new journey, studying law at the University of Queensland. Yet, life had other plans. In 2019, a relentless cancer diagnosis threw a curveball. In 2021, despite undergoing gruelling radiation and chemotherapy, the disease persisted. Undeterred, Mike underwent two surgeries in 2022 and 2023 to remove tumours and part of his tongue.
But Mike isn't one to surrender. Inspired by Tuffy's guidance and the supportive atmosphere at Fortitude, he embraced boxing as a powerful tool for recovery. Each day, he pushes his limits, defying the odds and inspiring those around him. His oncologist, impressed by his unwavering determination, even credits his boxing regimen for aiding his recovery.
In a recent interview, Mike shared his experiences and insights:
On boxing and chemotherapy: "Initially, I had radiation and chemo in 2021, but it didn't work. So, I had two rounds of surgery in 2022 and 2023. Boxing helps me stay fit and recover from the chemo. I followed Tuffy to Fortitude, and I continue to come because of the training regime, the familiar environment, and to maintain a semblance of fitness and persistence in fighting this battle."
On his oncologist's support: "My oncologist is really interested in my routine, especially the boxing I do for recovery the day after each chemo dose. He believes it's positive for my recovery."
On his fitness and strength: "I train every day, and I'm maintaining a semblance of fitness. For an 80-year-old, I'm pretty fit"
A message of hope: "Please, anyone, ask me anything about cancer if you need to. I'm happy to talk with you."
Mike's story is a testament to the power of human resilience and the transformative impact of boxing. He continues to inspire us all with his unwavering spirit and his determination to overcome adversity.
Mike doesn’t push his luck - he pushes the bike at Fortitude under Tuffy’s expert guidance.