Young Australian Faces Stage 3 Lymphoma Diagnosis Before Dream Holiday

In a poignant turn of events, 22-year-old Josh Pardo, a vibrant Australian from the Mornington Peninsula, has had his life dramatically altered following the discovery of a lump in his thigh that led to a diagnosis of stage three lymphoma. Just days away from embarking on a much-anticipated holiday to Bali with his closest friends, Pardo's plans were abruptly overshadowed by the grim reality of his health condition.

On May 30, 2025, Pardo noticed a lump in his groin area, initially dismissing it as a benign issue. 'I thought it was pretty weird, but I was quick on the ball and booked myself in with the doctors the next day,' he recounted. Despite feeling healthy and having no prior symptoms, the urgency of his situation became apparent after a series of medical examinations. Following an ultrasound, a biopsy, and a PET scan, the diagnosis confirmed his worst fears: he had cancer that had spread to his diaphragm.

The unexpected diagnosis forced Pardo to cancel his holiday plans, a decision that weighed heavily on him. 'Mum and Dad sat me down. I could tell they'd been crying, and I decided to pull the pin... on Bali,' he said. The young entrepreneur, who runs his own lawn mowing business, now faces six months of intensive chemotherapy, with his family rallying around him in support.

Dr. Emily Carter, an oncologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, states, 'Stage three lymphoma indicates that the cancer has spread significantly, but the prognosis can be favorable with appropriate treatment. The survival rate for young adults in Josh's situation is around 90%.' This statistic offers a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

Pardo's treatment will entail significant lifestyle adjustments. With a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy, he cannot stay at home with his younger siblings, aged 16 and 9, who may unknowingly expose him to infections. 'My mum put out a Facebook post to all of her friends to help me find a place near the hospital where I can set up on my own. It's so I don't have to be in contact with people all the time,' he explained.

Financially, the situation is also precarious. Pardo's chemotherapy treatments will prevent him from working, impacting not only his income but also placing additional strain on his family, who are already managing their online printing business and caring for two school-aged children.

'I was living my best life, and now I'm facing the fight of my life,' Pardo said, reflecting on the drastic shift from carefree youth to confronting severe health challenges. His community has rallied behind him, with a GoFundMe campaign initiated to help cover medical expenses and support his recovery. 'The survival rate for this, at my age, is about 90%, which is amazing,' he said, expressing gratitude for the support he has received.

As Pardo prepares for his first round of chemotherapy, he remains optimistic about the future. 'I'm pretty content with it, and I know there's a lot of people who don't have the community that I have,' he said, looking forward to the day he can resume his youthful adventures and enjoy beers with friends at the footy.

Josh's story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and health, especially for young adults. With a supportive network and a determined spirit, he embodies resilience as he faces this challenging chapter in his life.