Sandi Phoenix

Why this research is important to me...

My story started when long time friend, Rach, found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she began her treatment, she asked the women around her to do one thing: go get screened. I was 44 and eligible for a free mammogram, but like many women in their 40s, I didn’t think it needed to be on my to-do list until I reached my 50s. After Rach’s gentle persistence, I finally went for a screening in solidarity.

That decision, sparked by Rach’s nudging, likely saved my life. My tumour was 3 cm, completely non-palpable, and couldn’t even be felt by doctors. When I got the callback, Rach held her breath with me. She and my husband sat either side of me, holding my hands, when I heard the words: “Sandi, we have actually found a breast cancer.”

It was surreal. Rach and I met at work in our teens. We’d been each other’s bridesmaids and gone through our first pregnancies together. It didn’t seem possible that we’d also be doing breast cancer together.

My diagnosis halted everything. I had to cancel all work trips (10 flights) and focus completely on treatment - surgery, radiation, and now hormone therapy. I’m a mum and stepmum of teenagers and young adults, and it was a frightening time for our family. Thankfully, because it was caught early, my cancer hadn’t spread, and my treatment was less invasive. I didn’t need chemotherapy.

My surgery happened quickly, and I was incredibly grateful to have excellent care. Since then, I’ve become the healthiest and most informed I’ve ever been, supported by a brilliant oncology team - surgeon, oncologists, nutritionist, naturopath, and my living-angel breast care nurses. One big lesson? Alcohol. I learned that even one glass a day increases breast cancer risk - research that I wish I’d known sooner.

This is why I’m doing the National Breast Cancer Foundation Squat Challenge: to fund research that changes stories like mine. Research drives everything - from smarter screening that finds cancers earlier (especially in younger women), to treatments that are more effective with fewer side effects, to clearer guidance on prevention and risk (like alcohol). It turns fear into a plan, and a diagnosis into a future.

Please support my Squat Challenge. Your donation funds the research that helps mums, daughters, sisters, friends - and best mates like Rach and me - live longer, healthier lives. Thank you for being part of the change.