FORMER FITZROY RED GRABS WORLD’S ATTENTION

The Save Locky’s Dad campaign is one that unfortunately resonates with all too many of us. Former Fitzroy Red player Nick Auden was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and he is fighting for access to a new cancer drug that has had significant results. 
Unfortunately too many of us know someone who has had to fight some form of cancer and for those closest to people like Nick it is incredibly frustrating to know that there are drugs available but for one reason or another they are not able to gain access to them. 
Nick’s is Locky’s dad and a video documenting Locky’s fight to save his dad has gone viral. 
Through www.change.org, more than 30,000 people, including Nick’s friends, family and former footy teammates, have flooded social media to petition pharmaceutical companies Merck and Brystol-Myers Squibb (BMS)to provide Nick with a trial drug called PD-1, the medicine he so desperately needs and deserves.
The social media campaign, Save Locky’s Dad, includes a YouTube video featuring Nick’s son Lachlan (Locky). Nick and his wife Amy are determined that he will beat his advanced cancer and have the chance to see his three young children, Locky (age 7), Hayley (5) and Evan (1) grow up.
Nick displayed plenty of courage and will to fight on during his Aussie Rules playing career with Fitzroy Reds Football Club in Melbourne, Singapore Wombats FC and, most recently, Denver Bulldogs FC in the US.  
“I am truly grateful for the support from my former football clubs and teammates from around the world,” said Nick Auden.     
Nick is drawing on these qualities again in his biggest battle yet. But he needs clubs, players and supporters to help lobby Merck and BMS.
The VAFA is happy to help Nick’s call to spread the word through the local football community.
More than 30,000 people have already signed a petition, but more are urgently required to give Nick a chance of survival.
If you want to help Save Locky’s Dad, you can:
 1. Send Merck and BMS this message on Twitter:  “@merck & @bmsnews: Please #SaveLockysDad. Give Nick Auden PD-1 access. #NickAuden #PD-1 www.savelockysdad.com”  and follow @savelockysdad  
2. Like and share the Save Locky’s Dad Facebook page (click here) 
3. Sign the petition (click here)
www.savelockysdad.com 
The video was featured on Channel 9’s Today Show this morning and you can watch it below here.