Tracy's Story - Help us raise funds and awareness for breast cancer

By McMahon Services

I'm now a Zero Hero

Every employee is part of our McMahon Services family, and we have recently been affected by the news that one of our long-time employees Tracy Garland, has been diagnosed with Triple Negative Metastic Breast Cancer - Stage 4. 

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for most people you know to be affected by cancer in one way or another, so let's band together to raise some needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and assist them in their goal of zero deaths by breast cancer, by 2030! 

Here is Tracy's story:

“My cancer journey started in 2008 when at the age of 42 I was diagnosed with IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) in my left breast. This is one of the prevalent types of Stage 1 or 2 Breast Cancer and treated with surgery, chemotherapy (every 3 weeks over 6 cycles) and radiation (daily over 6 weeks). 

I got through over 10 months of treatment with a positive attitude and an enormous amount of support from family, friends and my employers. I continued on raising my wonderful son, married my husband in 2011 and continued life as normal. 

Every year that has followed incurs a visit to the mammogram machine and check up with the breast surgery clinic. After 8 or so years I started to believe I was a survivor... 

Until July this year, almost 12 years on, when a calcification in the same breast showed up on the pictures. I knew I was in trouble when a biopsy followed within an hour of the pictures. 

Seven days until my next appointment waiting for pathology results gave me a lot of time to reflect on the past and coming to terms on what could now be possible...that the cancer has returned. 

The worst case scenario was then realised, pathology showed Triple Negative Metastic Breast Cancer. Treatment for this rare cancer is still in experimental stages but starts with a surgery, in my case due to Stage 4 classification it was a bi-lateral (double) mastectomy. 

Now 6 weeks after the surgery and the pain finally easing, chemo has commenced. Chemo is going to be aggressive, weekly for 18 weeks. My Oncologist has advised that I am a very rare case where Triple Negative has followed an IDC - Round 2 is much worse than round 1 but I am going to fight. 

I believe a positive attitude will only assist in recovery of this insidious disease. I’m doing alright and extremely grateful for the support given to me at McMahon Services from our Directors David and Andy, CEO Amy J, Finance Manager Angela K and of course all the wonderful staff that have shown me so much love over the last few months. 

I am happy to discuss this with anyone that may need as conversation helps me and the more conversation makes for more understanding. Over the last few weeks it has blown me away how many of our staff have been impacted with family or friends going through cancer journeys.

Breast Cancer Network, the McGrath Foundation, Cancer Council etc are all tremendous organizations trying to find a cure and even though that has not yet been accomplished, there are many other ways they support women and their families during this extremely tough time so I ask is that you support our fundraising venture and join us for a luncheon in the near future.” Tracy. 

We will be hosting an event for Tracy in the next month or so, stay tuned. 

But in the interim, please donate and help us raise funds for this cause. Any little bit helps! Thank you so much for your support!

Thank you to my Supporters

$4k

Bel Green

$510

Anonymous

Tracy, you are an inspiration to myself and the rest of us, your unbelievable determination is inspiring to say the least. Just remember everyone if we do not raise $5,000.00 at least I might have to resurrect the Mankini, ??

$260

Andrew Levett

Go for it mate you can do it

$260

Austin Mcwilliams

Wishing all the best and hope this can assist.

$260

Rex Garland

I struggle with my wife's diagnosis everyday and hope with all my heart that a cure for this disease can be found to ensure future generations don't have to go through what we are right now.

$156

Chris Chisholm

Hey Tracey thinking of you while im on leave Great to see a lot of support. Cant belive you been hit with the shit stick twice. Stay strong you got this Chissy

$156

Jo Marslen

You have got this Tracy, you are a true survivor!

$104

Nigel Sutton

Super cause, Super Woman, Super foundation. "Not all Super heroes wear capes". Massive love and respect to Tracy and all impacted, past, present and future. xx

$104

Kym Goldsmith

$104

Kate Traeger

$104

Jason Day

So this is what takes to get a invite to lunch. All the best Jas

$104

Chris & Annabel Latham

$104

Yvonne Sims

Sending positive thoughts your way Tracy. Thank you for sharing, you show amazing strength. Love to you and your family <3

$104

Julia Swift

Thank you for sharing your story Tracy. We are all right behind you in the fight!

$104

Rhys Parasiers

$104

David Smulders

Thank you for sharing your story , your strength and courage is remarkable. Sending love to you and your family.

$104

Jon Berry

$104

Swapna Chakkupurakkal

Great effort Phil and McMahon's team. Tracy wish you all the best on a speedy recovery.

$104

Brenton Vogelsang

$104

Raymond Ashenden

bless you tracy. hugs are still here.

$104

Jamie (mason Gray Strange)

Our thoughts are with you ?

$104

Bel Green

Thank you for sharing your story Tracy. You are incredibly brave and strong. We are here with you every step of the way! xx

$104

Trevor Sargeant

$104

Amy Jones

So impressed by your positive attitude and continued drive through all of this. Thanks for sharing your story Tracy - such an inspiration!!

$104

Pilko

$104

Michael Pym

$104

Paul Maccheroni

$104

Willie Frith

Good Luck Tracey

$104

Angela Korng

Thank you for sharing your story. You continue to amaze me!

$104

Chris Plumb

You are SuperT, your strong and will beat this. We are always here for you.

$104

Simon Kenny

You got this Tracy!

$104

Danny Keogh

$104

Anonymous

$52

Jess Mcbride

$52

Gary Stuart

$52

Rebecca Wheeler

You've got this Tracy, I'm here to help you however you need xx

$52

Jock Merrigan

$52

Timothy Cotton

$52

Will Gower

$52

Sajee Perera

$52

Anonymous

$52

Nicole Austin

Keep fighting you can do it. Thank you for sharing your story such an inspiration.

$52

Andrea Walsh

$52

Mehdi Javanmard

Tracy I know you are a fighter and I am sure you will win this fight

$52

Justin Weaver

$52

Debs

$52

Alan Pollitt

$52

Anonymous

$52

Lynette Wright

Tracy ! Sending you a big hug and loads of wishes and prayers! You got this girl ! We are all behind you ! Anything you need or want just reach out ! Love to you x

$52

Mel Gumobao

You are a fighter Tracy and I pray that your treatment helps you get better.

$52

Stuart Mckenzie

$52

Jim Radford

$52

Joshua Boord

$52

Sandra Jorgensen

$52

Ray Taeuber

$52

Jayne Bettison

$52

Anonymous

$50

Anonymous

Great Work Everyone Please say hi to Tracy for me

$50

Ben Johnson

$50

Tony Van Eck

$36.40

Heena Goyal

$36.40

Anonymous

$31.20

Jess & Jamie

$20.80

David Conyers

$20.80

Anonymous

$20.80

Kylie Stevens

$20

Wendy Walsh

$15.60

Kate Rowswell