Man battling brain cancer gets major surprise from his community
A Brisbane man fighting brain cancer has been given a surprise he will never forget.
Friends, family and complete strangers have rolled up their sleeves to renovate Mike Oldano's home.
Mr Oldano was diagnosed with brain cancer in June, he was given between three and 14 months to live.
The Algester group organised the secret plan while the family was away.
They had just days to get the job done.
“It got bigger and bigger from a one day, two day, to a four day event,” neighbour Ruth Hurst told Seven News.
The group managed to surprise Mr Oldano with new floors, a new paint job, new rooms for his three children and a parent’s retreat for him and his wife Caz.
Builders worked for free and local businesses also donated new TV’s.
“Overwhelming would be the best way to put it...Yeah every time you think about it or have another look at the house it's just another wave of emotions and you can't believe people can do what they've done,” Mr Oldano told Seven News.
“It’s pretty amazing that it was done in only four days,” he said.
The home originally belonged to Mr Oldano’s father, who had planned to renovate it with his son.
Sadly, his dad lost his battle with brain cancer ten years ago.
“It doesn't give you much time to stop and think about what it means to you or your family the next day is now thrown up in the air and you don't really have a chance to work all,” he said.
“He would be blown away, absolutely blown away”.
Now the job is finished the family can enjoy their home, built with community spirit.
