National Breast Cancer Foundation

My Challenge

Squats
completed
1,736

Target
squats
1,736

Not Completed

The light at the end of this tunnel.

This is my second year of squatting for a good cause. I’m currently a couple months from completing my cancer treatment . From 3 rounds chemo to surgery to another 3 rounds of chemo to this last step of gene therapy treatment for the BRACA1 mutation. I won’t tell you it’s been a breeze but what I can say with surety that my treatments were far more advanced than what would have been available to my mother when she was diagnosed. This advancement has been facilitated by ongoing research that’s made possible with the money raised thru these fundraisers . I know times are uncertain at present and people are just unable to find that extra cash to sponsor and donate, but I don’t feel that just because I didn’t raise money that my squatting and taking part in this fundraiser was a waste of time. I feel it provides me a medium by which to reach out to other women who have or are still going thru the process of being treated after being diagnosed with breast cancer ( or like myself , ovarian cancer as well!) This forum does raise awareness and with the blogs realize that you are not alone, that these women can all relate to the rollercoaster of emotions of being diagnosed, to denial, to finding the RIGHT facility, specialists, treatments , that resonate for YOU.

If I can impart any information that can assist anyone with this process/journey /nightmare, it would be, take ownership of your treatment , it’s YOUR body, a unique individual and your treatment should reflect that. People are cut out like cookies, therefore your treatment should not be a standard cookie cutter script. My advice? Do you’re own research, ask the hard questions, question the responses, and don’t be afraid to get a second , third or in my case, a fifth opinion. Everything falls into place once YOU'VE made the decision as to who’s going to guide you thru perhaps one of the most challenging phases in your life.

Last piece of advice, this is you’re cancer and you’ll have plenty of support, no doubt, from family and friends, who in turn ( with the best of intentions ) will impart their suddenly discovered knowledge of treatments for cancer “ don’t eat this , you can’t do that “ etc They do mean well, and it’s not worth the argument - so just nod and smile and save your energy for the fight that is worth fighting - defeating your cancer. We are all different and how we determine our own health is wholly dependent upon our own decisions. Trust me on this , you’ll garner far more strength and resolve in being proactive in your treatment than merely “ doing what your dr says without knowing the whys”.

Hope this helps and keep on doing your great work !

My Squat Challenge for breast cancer research

56 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer today and a further 9 will die. I want to make a difference to the lives of those 56 Australians impacted by the disease - that is why I am taking on the Squat Challenge to raise vital funds for world-class breast cancer research. But I need your help.

Please support my squat challenge to save lives and make a difference.

Every donation, big or small, will get me closer to reaching my goal and helping the National Breast Cancer Foundation end deaths from breast cancer.