This July marks 5 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, when my son was 8 months old. It was the most traumatic, terrifying and overwhelming experience of my life. While the mums in my mum’s group sat in the park with their babies, I sat in a hospital bed, wearing a wig, being pumped with chemo. The grief of missing out on so many ‘firsts’ with my beautiful baby boy was unbearable.
But throughout the fear, sadness, chaos and uncertainty, there was love, hope, support and generosity. I was referred to Mummy’s Wish, and from day one they supported me practically and emotionally. There was always someone available to speak to me when I was falling apart, and they understood the nuances of going through treatment whilst still trying to be the best mum I could be.
My ‘Running through Chemo’ campaign was so rewarding, and we raised over $5000 for Mummy’s Wish! Each year since, I have had a goal to participate in a challenge to fundraise for Mummy’s Wish - my last challenge was the Melbourne Marathon.
Since then, I have rested, recovered (had knee surgery due to said marathon!) and have been blessed with our miracle baby girl who we never thought we would have. So it’s time for another challenge! And here it is: on October 10th, I will be participating in Swimrun Australia’s Sydney North 9.5 Challenge - 9 sections comprising of a 1.85km ocean swim and a 7.7km trail, sand and road run.
It has been difficult and painful training for this event with an active 5 year old, a 6 month old baby, and everything else that life throws…. But every day, there is a mother sitting in a GP or oncology clinic receiving the worst news of her life, with her baby in her arms or her child at school. That is pain. That is difficulty.
I am honoured, proud and privileged to support Mummy’s Wish with the amazing work they do for families at their most vulnerable times, such as providing care packs, recordable comfort bears, educational books, counselling sessions and financial support where needed.
I will dedicate this Swimrun to every Mother who is navigating the experience of cancer - you will be with me on every stride and every stroke. I invite everyone to join me in supporting Mummy’s Wish in any way you can so that they are able to continue providing the practical and emotional support that mothers and families need during their most difficult days.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story xx
