Alumnus tells story of pioneering cancer therapy
Press release
12 November
Dr Ian Gawler, who graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne in 1972, is the subject of a new biography ‘The Dragon’s Blessing’ documenting his remarkable fight to overcome cancer and his subsequent work to help thousands of other cancer patients manage the disease.
Ian Gawler was a promising young veterinarian when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, in his right leg in 1975. By the following year, his leg had been amputated and the cancer had spread to his pelvis and chest. Specialists warned him he had only weeks to live.
Refusing to give in to the disease, Ian instead took an unorthodox and holistic approach to healing. Throughout his life he had an interest in the spiritual path: having heard about meditation during his student years, Ian had always thought that when life was a little less busy he would look into it.
Following his dire diagnosis, Ian began to meditate and found it helped him cope with the huge changes brought about by the amputation and the recurrence of the bone cancer. This, combined with an organic vegan diet, positive thinking and loving support became the key principles of his pioneering healing program.
At the time of his diagnosis, Ian had an extensive practice with small animal surgeries at Bacchus Marsh and Melton, and was involved in equine reproductive medicine, race horses, pacers and grey hounds.
“As a veterinarian I like to think I was taught to keep an open mind and to be focused therapeutically on what actually works in practice,” Gawler says.
“Through my contact with animal health I developed a deep confidence in the body's capacity to contribute to its own healing, so faced with a very difficult cancer and no obvious conventional medical solution it seemed a logical thing to explore the possibilities of complementary and alternative medicine.”
In 1978, doctors declared Ian cancer-free and his remarkable recovery was reported in the Medical Journal of Australia.
Ian’s journey from cancer patient to survivor to leading practitioner of mind-body medicine and meditation is told by author Guy Allenby. ‘The Dragon’s Blessing’ follows on from Ian’s best selling self-help book ‘You Can Conquer Cancer’, a practical and inspiring guide to holistic prevention and management of cancer which has been reprinted 16 times and published in 12 languages.
Following his recovery from cancer, Ian spent several years working in small animal practices around Australia before his work in the human health field became a full time commitment in 1984.
Ian established Australia’s first cancer self-help group, now known as the ‘Gawler Foundation’, which focuses on healing and well-being for cancer and multiple sclerosis patients. The Foundation runs programs teaching people how to awaken the connection between mind and body, based on the premise that regaining balance in one’s life leads to healing.
Published by Allen and Unwin, ‘The Dragon’s Blessing’ is now widely available in major bookstores at a RRP of $35.00. Ian's case history is to be included in the December 2008 Christmas edition of the Medical Journal of Australia.
For further information please contact the Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: vet-communications@unimelb.edu.au