My story
I am amazed how different my life has become as a result of breast cancer!
I was forty - a suburban mum, with my husband Tom and small children, Eliza and James.
I was returning to part-time work as a primary school teacher.
My life was happy!
Being told I had breast cancer tipped my world upside down.
I was so afraid my children would have to grow up without a mother.
I had to have surgery, chemo, radio and hormone therapy. My life was out of control!
I felt like a faceless person on a conveyor belt. I was angry that the system seemed so cold and uncaring. I kept thinking: “With my advantages, this is happening to me. What about women who can’t speak English or women who live out in the sticks?”
We don’t know how to stop breast cancer, but surely we should be able to offer good care when it happens.
This experience changed my life and I wanted to make a difference.
Looking back on the intervening years, I still can’t believe that I have thrown myself so passionately behind this cause.
Establishing and growing Breast Cancer Network Australia makes me feel proud.
BCNA is a thriving and influential advocacy organisation, linking together thousands of women around the country. When BCNA speaks, people listen.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge, but my passion has exposed skills I never knew I had. My idea for the Field of Women captured people's imagination and has become an international event.
I've even won awards for business - I’m still scratching my head about those!
On my journey I have met famous people and spoken at events around the world, but my greatest satisfaction is when I meet a woman with breast cancer who has been supported, well-informed, empowered and cared for. I hope my efforts have helped to make that happen.
I'm enjoying so much reading all your stories and seeing the way all of you are using the online network to connect with and support each other. Even though I am unable to respond individually to private messages or comments, I do read them all and appreciate the opportunity to connect with you all through the online network.
Member blog
Happy International Women's Day
Like so many of you, I have been watching and listening to the many discussions about inequality for women, as we mark today's 100th anniversary of IWD. There is always so much more to be achieved. I think mostly everyone agrees we do need more female Executives and Directors on our corporate Boards. It makes good corporate sense to ensure a variation of viewpoints and approaches are considered. Whilst we'd love to have more women in power, I think it's also important to acknowledge how far we have come.
