In 2017, Sage Wilder was a fit and healthy 22-year-old with the world at his feet.
He had hopes of turning his passion for rugby into a career in the NRL as well as becoming a father. Then a crushing blood cancer diagnosis changed everything.
When Sage Wilder started experiencing severe pain through his body and lumps under his armpits and groins, he thought it was just the result of the inevitable crashing and bashing he regularly endured on the rugby field.
“I was relatively fit at the time, obviously with footy and training,” Sage says. “And it just came to a point where, a week or two prior to being diagnosed, I felt a few pains here and there. I just kind of pushed them to the side as a young boy does.”
But after his visit to the doctor, he learnt that his pain had nothing to do with rugby.
“I went to the medical centre to get a blood test and a scan. That afternoon, the doctor basically diagnosed me on the spot with leukaemia,” Sage recalls.
“I guess both my mum and I went pretty blank, just because we didn’t see this coming. And we just kind of had to stay strong for each other. It was just hitting us what just happened.”
Sage playing Rugby for the Mounties Rugby League Football Club shortly before his diagnosis.
Sage had to immediately step back from playing Rugby to begin intensive treatment. He began his treatment journey with a positive mindset – however this was really put to the test as treatment went on.
“Towards the back end of treatment, that’s when things started to take a turn where I got bogged down and out due to the side effects of the treatment and the way my body was changing and adapting. But it was nice to see that light at the end of the tunnel.”
Doctors started looking at the next steps for Sage, which involved a stem cell transplant from an all too familiar donor.
“They did a global search but couldn’t find a match,” Sage recalls. “My sister was a half-match so she couldn’t donate, so they had the option of my mum or dad. We chose my dad as he was a closer match, and it was a great experience knowing that it was coming from him.
“I remember him sending me photos on the day as well when he was hooked up to the machine, and we were having a bit of fun just texting each other. For him to put his hand up to donate was very special for me. I was very lucky that my dad was actually my donor.”
Sage with his father and stem cell donor, Karlton Wilder.
Sage continued to go onwards and upwards after becoming a father.
After his stem cell transplant in late 2017, Sage’s recovery led to the ultimate birthday present.
“I still remember the phone call on my birthday, which was lovely. Hearing the word ‘remission’ was just the best news. It was just a relief.”
Nearly five years into remission in 2022, Sage’s partner, Milly, welcomed him home with more incredible news.
“It was amazing. I remember she was sitting on the couch when I got home, and I rushed to the kitchen because I was starving. She said, ‘aren’t you going to give me a kiss?’, so I quickly rushed over and went in for a kiss, and she popped out the pregnancy test. I was on top of the world.”
In early 2023, Sage and Milly welcome a healthy baby boy, Ziggy, into the world – and Sage’s dream of becoming a father finally turned into a reality – despite being told by his doctors that it was unlikely.
Some treatments for blood cancer, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect your ability to have children in the future. This can be temporary or permanent. To learn more about fertility and blood cancer, click here.
After becoming parents, Sage and Milly continued to go from strength to strength. In May 2024, Sage and Milly got married, and Sage returned to play rugby in the same month. They also opened their own group training business.
To give back to the blood cancer community, Sage uses his growing platform and network to raise awareness of blood cancer – and the urgent need for further funding, research, and specialist support.
Sage has also shared his personal experience with fertility challenges following his diagnosis, appearing as a guest on the Leukaemia Foundation’s ‘Fertility and Blood Cancer’ webinar. By speaking openly, he hopes to help other Australians facing similar uncertainty feel less alone and more informed about their options.
“It means a lot to me being able to speak about my story as it’s not just a story about me, but it’s the message within the story that talks about positivity, gratitude, and perspective. I’m very passionate about connecting with others who are or have been through the same experience. I want to see and help people thrive after treatment.”
Sage speaks at a charity event in 2025 about the Leukaemia Foundation’s life-changing work.
These webinars form part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s broader suite of trusted online information and education resources for people living with blood cancer, as well as their families and carers – resources that are only made possible thanks to funds raised through campaigns like the World’s Greatest Shave.
Nearly 9 years into remission, Sage and his family have grown from 3 to 4 with the arrival of their second child, Harley.
“We’re doing really well. Watching them grow together and bond as a family has been truly special. Being a family of four gave us a lot of perspective as we watched our family grow so suddenly. It becomes with a tremendous responsibility being parents to our boys and as a father it’s such a privilege.”
Join thousands of other Australians and take on the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave to support more blood cancer patients like Sage.
By taking part – whether by shaving, cutting or colouring your hair – you become part of a community of trailblazers fuelling better cancer care that reaches those who need it most.
“I strongly urge Australians to get behind this amazing fundraiser,” Sage says.
“It goes such a long way to be able to raise awareness and funds for a cause that supports patients and families in need as well as research for treatments and cures. With the continuous fundraising and support it will bring closure to both patients and families knowing they’re supported and heard in a time of need.”
Take on the World's Greatest Shave solo or as part of a team and join thousands of Australians taking action for people facing blood cancer.
