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Amanda's Christmas Fundraiser

By Amanda Shepherd

Help me reach my goal of $1,000

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I'm now a Zero Hero

I'm hosting an event because I want a world where there are ZERO deaths from breast cancer. I believe every death from breast cancer is one too many. To achieve this, I’m raising funds for more research. All donations made to this page will help do exactly that. 

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading national body funding game-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public.

I really believe research is the best way to prevent deaths, and improve how breast cancer is diagnosed, managed and treated. NBCF is working towards one goal: zero deaths from breast cancer. Together we can help them get there.

Click 'Donate' to make a secure online donation and help me reach my goal. Every donation, big or small, will help me get there. Please donate today.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt via email as soon as you make your donation.

Thank you so much for your support!

My Achievements

1. My Pink Hero Pledge

2. Uploaded Profile Picture

3. Shared My Page

4. Received First Donation

5. Halfway to Fundraising Goal

6. Reached Fundraising Goal

My Updates

Update 2: September 2023

Tuesday 12th Dec
Hi all. 

I had my lumpectomy and 2 lymphnodes out on 30/08/2023. Most of you are now aware I recently got the shitty news that a few tiny breast cancer cells managed to spread to one out of two of the lymphnodes they took out. The bad news is I now need a few rounds of chemotherapy prior to my mastectomy and reconstruction. The good news: I'm going to be fine! 

Understandably, this is still not the news I wanted (or again anticipated). Prior to chemo, I will undergo an urgent round of IVF (egg harvesting) to preserve my fertility should I ever wish to be a parent. Something I didn't want to have to be thinking about while going through this crap, but here were are. 

Almost 12 months ago to the day Carly started her chemotherapy treatment for BC. So as you can imagine, it's a crazy time for everyone in my family and those close to me at the moment.
All things considered, I am so blessed it was caught early. I am so lucky I have a wonderful family, wonderful friends and colleagues and my most wonderful man on team Shep. 

To the beautiful souls sending me all of love, I want to say a HUGE thank you to you. I am in complete awe of the support, love, well-wishes and encouragement I am receiving.
Please don't be offended if I don't reply to you immediately. As you can imagine, I'm completely overwhelmed, and it's a lot to go through. I'll reply to you when I can.

And as always, if you have a family history of breast cancer in your family (or even if you don't) P L E A S E get your regular breast checks. 

Thanks again for being on this journey with me.

My story: Diagnosis. August 2023

Tuesday 12th Dec

"Unfortunately, you have breast cancer..."

Five words that I didn't anticipate (or want) to hear last week. In an odd way, I suppose I was somewhat prepared for it due to my BRCA1 predisposition.

I had my annual MRI screening on 04/08/2023, and a lesion was found. Subsequent ultrasound and biopsies followed. I found out on 09/08/2023 my biopsy confirmed malignancy. Today, my surgeon confirmed that I have high-grade triple-negative ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as well as precancerous cells.
It is small and it has been found early, which I am so thankful for. I will be okay. The path ahead involves a lumpectomy and bringing my planned mastectomy and reconstruction forward from July 2024.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of complete fear, anxiety, and intense emotions. And when cancer was confirmed, my world changed in a second. Somehow, I'm managing to get through it all and doing my best to take it day by day.

My heartfelt gratitude to my wonderful and loving parents and sisters, relatives, friends, colleagues and my most loving, caring and supportive partner: I couldn't navigate this nightmare without you.
It has been hard for family and those close to me, given Carly's second BC diagnosis only 12 months ago (pretty much to the day). I'm deeply appreciative of the incredible network of support and overwhelming love surrounding me.

To those who are now aware of my diagnosis, thank you for allowing me to be raw and share the new path my journey has now taken.

My goal from this cancer diagnosis is to raise awareness. Please, if your family has a history of breast cancer, consider testing for the BRCA gene. Early detection is absolutely CRUCIAL.
I owe my life to my incredible sister, Jade, who is truly our guardian angel. Without her, Carly and I would have never known. Knowledge is definitely power.

To all of you who have offered your love and support, I give you my heartfelt appreciation. It means the absolute world. 

Cancer has definitely picked the wrong girl to fuck with!