Today we say a heartfelt farewell to good friend and longstanding Gold Coast restaurateur Nick Vasilaras. Early this morning Nick lost his long battle with brain cancer.
Update 01/07/2014: Phone-Free Feast: Help cure brain cancer, dine phone-free on Thursday August 7. Find out more here.
On 28th of June 2012, much loved Gold Coast restaurateur Nick Vasilaras of Kirra’s Café Fresh and Sinshen restaurants collapsed while taking an order mid service.
Nick was diagnosed with a tumour on the left side of his brain and was rushed to Sydney RPA Hospital to undergo emergency surgery. Given the all clear and after a time recovering Nick staunchly returned to the business and customers he loved.
14 months later, Nick again collapsed on the floor of his restaurant and was again flown to Sydney for emergency surgery. This time the outcome was far worse. The tumour had returned with aggression and doctors were forced to remove a large part of the left side of his brain. This morning Nick passed away quietly, closing the door on months of suffering.
If you knew Nick, he was a straight talking, hard working and incredibly generous individual having selflessly hosted countless fundraisers at his restaurants over the years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for numerous charities, disaster relief and other worthwhile causes. With a heavy heart I can tell you he will be sorely missed!
It may come as a surprise to you as it did I, but brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer death in under 39’s and account for one third of all cancer deaths under the age of 15. However, brain cancer research receives the least in the way of funding for research and consequently there has been little change in prognosis in the last 20 years.
The Australian Good Food and Travel Guide is currently working with the John Trivett Foundation, the Charlie Teo Foundation and some of the country’s best brain tumour researchers and clinicians to establish a nationwide event to help raise much needed awareness and funds for brain cancer research. This event is the brainchild of Nick himself during his last days of cognitive function and will be hosted at participating restaurants around the country. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Anito my good friend.
Jeremy deBray
Director
Australian Good Food and Travel Guide.
