My Story…
"I'm sorry, it's breast cancer."
Words I never thought I’d hear.
After losing my mum to breast cancer when she was just 57, I always feared it — but never imagined I’d face it myself at 39.
With two young kids and a whole lot of life to live, I decided from day one that I was going to do everything I possibly could to beat this disease. I went straight home from the GP, told my family… and then I went for a run.
Instead of asking “why me?” I did what any completely normal person would do:
I signed up for a triathlon.
Whether it was watching my brother Dave smash an Ironman like a superhero or maybe just my intrusive ADHD traits 😉... I figured, why not?
Of course, I couldn’t do it alone — so I roped in my best friend and sister-in-law too (you’re welcome!).
What followed was six months of intense chemo (TCHP) every three weeks. Days 4 to 8 I felt like a total zombie, clinging to some sense of normality while still trying to show up as a mum. But without fail, by day 10, I’d lace up my runners and go.
1km turned into 3, then 5, then 8… until the next round of chemo knocked me back again.
This cycle of rebuilding, falling down, and getting back up repeated for half a year.
Then came surgery — a mastectomy — and the tough news that the chemo hadn’t fully worked.
So I signed up for another six months of treatment.
It’s gentler, but the mental and physical reset every three weeks is relentless.
Still, I’m committed to completing this ultra triathlon.
Why?
Because movement makes me feel normal.
Because running clears my head when nothing else can.
Because fitness is part of my healing — even when I’m slow, breathless, and terrible at swimming.
I’m doing this for everyone impacted by breast cancer.
For earlier detection.
For better treatment options.
For stronger support systems for patients, survivors, and their families.
For research that helps us not just survive, but live fully.
So that’s my story — still in progress.
An average runner, a bad cyclist, and an even worse swimmer… still in active treatment, trying to swim, bike and run for a cause close to my heart.
Thank you for supporting me — and this crazy mission. 💗
Donate to help Emma raise money for PERTH’s fundraising campaign.
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Aug 08 | Misty Gilles | $10.56 |
Aug 08 | Julie West | $52.75 |
Aug 07 | Ross Doherty | $10.55 |
Aug 07 | Kathy | $10.55 |
Aug 07 | Sionnan Lawrance | $26.38 |
Aug 07 | Cath Madden | $52.75 |
Aug 07 | Jo Savoury | $52.75 |
Aug 07 | Taria | $10.55 |
Aug 07 | Jamie Kenward | $26.38 |
Aug 07 | Deb from Butler | $52.75 |