Karl Dimachki The X Factor Australia 2010 Auditions 2 Tongue Cancer Triumph over adversity
"If you have a dream, then go on and do it because god will always put a hero inside of you"
Simply walking onto the stage to perform was a victory for The X Factor contestant and cancer survivor Karl Dimachki.
Diagnosed with tongue cancer little more than 16 months ago, Karl had half his tongue taken out, cancer spots shaved from his voice box and a number of lymph nodes removed. He was told he would never sing again.
He underwent six months of intense chemo and radiation therapy and at the time it was believed it would take four years for Karl just to talk properly again.
He defied his prognosis and was able to speak immediately after surgery - it reduced his doctors to tears.
The same doctors were in shock again last night as they watched Karl take to The X Factor stage. This time it was judge Natalie Imbruglia who was crying as she stood in appreciation.
Karl says his faith played a huge role in his survival.
"During my operation i had a very unique dream," Dimachki said. "Michael the arch angel had his hand on my shoulder to let me know I'm going to be fine [sic]."
He also described the pain he endured during his treatment.
"It's like pouring a whole bottle of acid into your insides and radiation is an equivalent to being in a microwave - so cooking the insides of you [sic]."
Karl had wanted to be a singer from the age of five and would rehearse in front of his family for hours. Last night he was able to fulfill a dream and give the audience a self-styled lesson in life.
"I'm just here to prove a point if you have a dream go on and do it 'cause God will always put a hero inside you," he told the audience.
Karl is through to the next round - a boot camp in Sydney with one of the judges where he'll take on their advice before performing again. We wish him all the best.
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