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RICHIE LOVETT BATTLES CANCER
Aussie WCT surfer underwent surgery; needs support
Ten-year tour veteran and currently ranked number 23 surfer, Richie Lovett, has undergone hip surgery in Los Angeles, California to remove a rare malignant tumor.
Lovett started experiencing problems with his right hip during the final stages of the 2005 Foster's ASP Men's World Tour and initial scans were done prior to the remaining few events of the season.
Results indicated there was indeed a problem and that further tests needed to take place. After completing the 2005 season Lovett and wife Amanda, then preceded to fly out of his home base of Manly, NSW Australia, shortly after Christmas, to Los Angeles to seek specialist attention.
Post his initial surgery on 3 January 2006, biopsy results came back detecting a rare malignant tumor. The official definition is Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma -- a low grade, very slow growing cancer tumor that does not respond to radiation or chemotherapy.
The only option is to remove the tumor via surgery. Lovett's surgery was completed on Monday 16 January 2006 at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
The surgery involved removing part of Lovett's femur bone in his right leg then replacing it with an artificial prosthesis. This is the only way to make sure that surgeons extract all the tumor cells and that the chances of the tumor growing back are drastically reduced.
Obviously Lovett is completely blown away by it all, however he remains positive saying last week, "I will face this thing head on and fight. I'm staying positive mentally and I look forward to getting physically strong again soon. My wife Amanda has been amazing, supporting me every step of the way."
Richie's awesome ability as a surfer, his easygoing and honest nature has made him not only one of the most feared and revered competitors on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour, but also one of the most respected amongst his peers and the industry.
RICHIE NEEDS YOUR HELP
Here is a letter from Ocean Minded's Gary Ward, dated January 25th, 2005
To My Fellow Surf Colleagues,
This letter is to inform you that an integral member of the top 44 surfers, Richie Lovett, whom I have come to know personally, has been diagnosed with an extremely rare bone tumor (clear cell chrondrosarcoma ) that has required two major surgeries in the last month. Because of insurance restrictions he has been left with medical bills and expenses exceeding $200,000.
This is a good time for all of us blessed watermen and surfers to come together and show our solidarity and concern for a fellow surfer and human being. Already several members of our surfing community have been exceedingly generous. An account has been set up to allow all of us the opportunity to donate.
All companies below have committed $1500, unless otherwise noted.
Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation $10,000
Vans $2,000
Electric
Ocean Minded
Odyssey eyewear
Billabong
OP
DVS/Matix
O'Neill Clothing
Volcom
Hurley
FCS
Laguna Surf & Sport
Globe
Lost
Rip Curl
Fox
Etnies
Quiksilver
Transworld Surf
Analog/Gravis
ASR
Cult
Liquid Culture
Robert Gerard
Primedia
Warren Kramer MD
If you are in a position to help in any way, please send your donation to:
ATTN:
Bruce Beach
Electic Visual
1062 Calle Negocio, Suite H
San Clemente CA 92673
PH. 949-940-9125
Email: Bruce Beach.
Sincerely,
Gary Ward
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