Chris Brugger gets on board his new prize. Photo: Coro Club/Facebook.
A Griffith man who was given just 12 months to live in 2017 has continued his upward life transformation, winning a $13,000 Quintrex Explorer boat at the Coro Club on Australia Day.
Chris Brugger was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2008 and spent a hellish next decade in and out of hospital.
“In 2017, I was told my cancer was going to come back, that they can’t do anything else for me and was given 12 months to live,” he said.
“But I didn’t; I’ve been in remission for six and a half years.
“Thing have gone pretty well since then; there’s been a few downs but it’s mostly up and up.”
His incredible recovery saw local Can Assist president Olga Forner describe him as her “miracle”.
“Those who have got strong positive outlooks come through with the best results,” Ms Forner said.
The miracle man reached a new peak on 26 January.
“I generally buy tickets most weeks to support the Coro Club. I grew up down the road from them. My Dad has been going there for 40 years.
“I’ve had some good wins over the years – $500 vouchers here and there, but never anything like this.”
Among a number of prizes handed out on the day, he claimed the best – a Quintrex 370 explorer boat, motor and trailer package. The mid-sized vehicle is generally used for fishing estuary and river systems.
“I’m not really into boats; I’m a rider myself. I’ll probably look to sell it and buy a motorbike,” he said.
Olga Forner with her ‘miracle’ Chris Brugger. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Mr Brugger was once unable to work due to his illness, but now runs his own business.
“I started my own business 12 months ago, as a handyman – that’s kept me really busy.
“People might buy blinds from Bunnings and get home and won’t be able to hang them up – that’s the sorts of things I do. I’m doing it part-time while working at Casella Wines three days a week.”
Coro Club general manager Jason Torresan was happy to see the result of his club’s raffle.
“We are pleased to see it’s gone to someone who could do with a windfall like that,” he said.
“Chris has always been a great supporter of the club.
“Australia Day was big for us – we did over 300 schnitzels; we actually ran out.
“We’ll be doing something called $5 Fridays in February, every Friday between 5 pm and 8 pm. We’ll have $500 in vouchers to be won. For every $5 spent at the bar or bistro receive a ticket into the draw to win one of five vouchers.”
Mr Torresan, who used to run The Area Hotel, says he is glad he returned to the hospitality industry two years ago.
“The Coro Club has gone to the next level and we are getting a lot of patronage,” he said.
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