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 We remember Ilana Rischin, a member of BCNA's Advanced Breast Cancer Working Party, who passed away on Saturday June 30 2007.
Ilana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 39. In 2003 the breast cancer returned in her spine, and then to her liver and other areas in March this year. She died at home with her husband Leon and daughters Rachel, 16, and Tamara, 14 at her side.
Ilana was the driving force in establishing our small consumer group consultations with medical students at Melbourne University. Her most recent contribution to our Inside Story magazine about her climb to Mt Hope in the Southern Alps of New Zealand last year was an inspiration to all. She wrote, ‘as a woman living with advanced breast cancer, it is important for me to create positive milestones to look forward to, rather than the next recurrence'.
She also participated in BCNA's events including the National Summit last year, and contributed to the development of our new resource, Hope & Hurdles, for women with secondary breast cancer, which will be launched later this month.
We are very grateful for Ilana's contribution to BCNA and know that others will benefit greatly from her insight and courage.
Tributes
Ilana's courage and positive outlook was truly inspirational and we thank her for sharing this with the working party.
Rest In Peace dear Ilana.
Maria
I had the pleasure of meeting Ilana at BCNA's Science & Advocacy training in 2004. Our paths have continued to cross over the last few years, with my last face to face contact being when we both spoke at a Mini Field of Women last October. Ilana was a tireless advocate for Advanced womens needs, and a brave woman who never complained about her own battles. She was inspirational, her Amazon Hearts trek in New Zealand proved her courage when she completed the trek, even though she was in considerable pain and not well at the time.
The world is a sadder place without Ilana in it, but I take comfort in the fact that I had the privilege of knowing her, and she leaves our world having made a difference.
Kerri Guy
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