Jason Keymer, 14, from Capri Village, stands in Antarctica after overcoming a brain tumour diagnosis and months of treatment. The trip fulfilled a dream he had held since childhood.
Image: Supplied
Standing on the vast ice of Antarctica - one of the most remote places on Earth - was a powerful moment for 14-year-old Jason Keymer from Capri Village.
In 2024, Jason was diagnosed with a Germinoma brain tumour, a moment his family says divided their lives into “before” and “after”.
What followed were months of aggressive radiation treatment. While the treatment saved his life, it came at a high cost.
Jason endured crushing fatigue, sleepless nights, hormonal disruption and a severe loss of appetite that made eating a daily struggle. His days, once filled with school and normal teenage activities, quickly became a cycle of hospital visits and treatment.
“The day was really confusing and scary for the entire family,” Jason told the Echo.
“What I remember most is how quickly life changed from normal school days and activities to hospital visits and treatment. My life changed to before and after my diagnosis in one afternoon.”
Treatment was physically and emotionally exhausting. Jason said there were many long, difficult nights as he battled the side effects of radiation.
Jason Keymer, 14, and his mother, LeAnne Keymer, in Antarctica.
Image: Supplied
“I was exhausted, lost my hair and all my energy, and it was difficult to sleep or eat,” he said.
But through the darkest days, he was never alone.
Jason said the support from friends, teachers and the wider community helped him stay positive.
“My friends kept me going. They visited me and sent me many encouraging messages. Even my teachers came to visit and brought food, and everyone was so kind and caring,” he said.
“Knowing that so many people were cheering and praying for me helped me stay positive.”
His mother, LeAnne Keymer, said Jason’s diagnosis changed their lives overnight.
“The treatment was intense, and while it was necessary to save his life, it left him exhausted and struggling physically. As a family, we focused on getting through each stage one day at a time, doing everything we could to support his healing and recovery.”
She noted the Far South community played a central role in that healing.
“The community became our healing village,” Ms Keymer said.
“People checked in, made meals, sent messages, offered assistance, said prayers and shared knowledge. Advice, reassurance, friendship and practical help were always available.”
Today, Jason is 14, turning 15 later this year, and completely cancer-free.
A few weeks ago, he stood at the bottom of the world in Antarctica, fulfilling a dream he had held since he was a young child.
For a teenager who once struggled to get through a single day of treatment, the journey to one of the most remote places on Earth was far more than a holiday. It was a powerful symbol of recovery.
“Standing in Antarctica was an emotional moment for Jason because it had been his dream since he was young,” said his mother.
“After everything he had been through over the past year, it was hard to believe that after such a difficult time, he was standing at the bottom of the world feeling strong and happy.”
The life-changing trip was made possible when the owner of White Desert Antarctica sponsored the journey for Jason and his mother.
For Ms Keymer, watching her son stand on the vast white ice was overwhelming.
“Antarctica has always represented something wild and extraordinary to Jason,” she said.
“To see him standing there, healthy and strong after everything he’s endured, reminded us that even after the harshest seasons, life can still be beautiful.”
“Watching Jason face such a difficult challenge showed me how resilient children can be,” she said.
“You realise very quickly that healing isn’t just medical - it’s emotional, physical and communal.”
For families facing similar challenges, she hopes Jason’s story offers encouragement.
“I hope it reminds other families that recovery is possible, even when the road is difficult,” she said. “Healing is not linear, and there are setbacks along the way, but there are amazing treatments and support out there. With belief, there can still be hope and joy ahead.”
For Jason, standing on the ice of Antarctica was proof of that.
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