Young rugby sensation Aaron Cruden and his girlfriend Grace King smile with pride as they flick through photos
of Aaron’s All Blacks debut in New Plymouth last month.

Keeping a scrapbook is a ritual for the loving couple, who are both 21 – a way of documenting Aaron’s many achievements, and cherishing precious memories. But amongst the happy snapshots the couple have collected over the two years they’ve been together, there are many more that illustrate a more painful and challenging
period in their relationship.

In 2008, when he was only 19, and already a fledgling star in provincial rugby, Aaron was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After having one of his testicles removed and discovering the cancer had spread to his lungs, the teenager prepared himself for a gruelling nine-week course of chemotherapy.

The Palmerston North lovebirds had been together for only six months when Aaron received the devastating news, forcing them to confront a major obstacle in their new relationship. But Grace knew from the first moment she met Aaron, when friends introduced them after they had just finished high school, that he was special. She was determined to wholeheartedly support him and be the one to document his triumphant battle.

“Aaron was facing death, and I knew the days would go by so quickly. It was important to capture his journey,” Grace says, holding Aaron’s hand tightly. “I took photos of each stage of his chemotherapy, and when it was over, I made him a journal for Christmas.”

The Hurricanes first-five says he often flicks through the book Grace made for him – it reminds him of the support and love he received from family, his friends and most importantly, his girlfriend.

“It’s something we can look back on and see, through pictures, what a tough time it was for all of us. This journal is proof that if Grace and I can get through this, we can get through anything.”

It was in January 2008 that Aaron first noticed a lump on one of his testicles while he was showering. His doctor initially said it was nothing too serious, but Aaron sought a second opinion six months later believing the lump had grown bigger.

Tests found that it was cancer and surgeons immediately removed his left testicle. But more bad news was to follow. The cancer had already spread to his lungs. “When they first told me, I took it really hard,” Aaron says. “I didn’t expect to be faced with this crisis, especially at 19 years of age. At 19, you think you can take on the world!”

Aaron told his family the news, and explained that intense chemotherapy was needed, but telling Grace was hard, as Aaron didn’t know how she would take it.

“I was in shock,“ says Grace. “I didn’t believe him. I thought it was some kind of joke. It was almost surreal.”
For most teenagers experiencing first love, it would be tempting to forego the relationship entirely when faced with this kind of challenge.

But Grace, who was at university studying towards a sports degree, was determined to remain by Aaron’s side.
“I never saw this as an obstacle in our relationship,” she explains. “I knew I had to be strong for Aaron, deal with it step by step and just get on with it. We were going to beat this!”

Amidst the chaos, the young couple were forced to discuss the possibility of having a family together, as a combination of chemotherapy and the removal of Aaron’s testicle reduced his chances of fathering children.

“This was one of my major concerns,” says Aaron, who’d love to have kids one day. “I did end up banking some sperm but the sperm count was quite low,” he continues. “We still have hope that we are able to have kids, down the line. But if it doesn’t pan out, there are other ways we can go about having children.”

Aaron admits that chemotherapy was hard for him, both emotionally and physically. His mother Missy would visit after work and his dad Stu would travel from Hawke’s Bay to Palmerston North when he could, but it was Grace, who had put her studies on hold, that was at his bedside 24/7.

“Killing the disease is bloody tough. There’s nausea, vomiting, being pumped with drugs, it makes you feel gross. Without Grace I don’t know how I would have coped. She was my rock. She was there every day without fail. She went with me to every appointment, every check up. She was always smiling and positive. It was her attitude that made me want to survive and beat this bastard.”

Aaron says that he’s often been called courageous, but he admits the journey was just as challenging for Grace.
“I am so thankful for what Grace did. She was always there, whenever I needed her, and so I’m forever in her debt for that.”

Grace is visibly humbled hearing her boyfriend pay tribute to her, but she assures Aaron that she wouldn’t have
it any other way. “I had to deal with this my own special way,” she says, “and I concentrated on looking to the future. My focus was on keeping Aaron’s spirits high, and getting him through it all.”

After the nine weeks of treatment, doctors revealed Aaron was in full remission, requiring nothing more than
an annual health check. Aaron breathed a sigh of relief on hearing the good news. “It’s huge to survive this experience. There were many tears shed when I was given the all clear.”

Now, Grace and Aaron are determined to put the past behind them and they recently treated themselves to a holiday in Rarotonga, so they could focus on moving forward together.

Returning from their tropical vacation, Aaron was ready to reignite his rugby career. And true to form, he defied all odds, making a remarkable comeback. First he captained the New Zealand Under-20s world title in 2009, then was named the International Young Player by the International Rugby Board that same year. And last month he reached his dream – being named in the current All Blacks squad playing in three matches.

The courageous youngster says it was overwhelming to be on the rugby field. “To put on that All Blacks jersey for the first time and to get my first touch of the ball was amazing. You are inspired to reach for an even higher level. My aim now is to be a great All Black.”

Grace was able to attend the test match against Ireland in New Plymouth, but missed most of the action because she was busy taking pictures of the moment. But Aaron is grateful that Grace has been snap happy and is continuining to document the highs and lows of their relationship. And Grace feels they have come a long way together.

“I know overcoming the cancer has made us closer. We have a really strong bond,” she says. Aaron is thankful to have fought his toughest battle with Grace by his side. “Grace is my future. You don’t often find that special person that you’re compatible with. But I’m lucky,” says Aaron, smiling at Grace, “because I already have.”