Hello!
This Bright Pink Lipstick Day 2021, I intend to make a difference to a cause that is close to my heart by fundraising for Pink Hope. I also wish to commit to helping to start conversations that matter about hereditary health. #ThisLipstickCan
By doing this, I will go first......
Some of you may not be aware but a few years ago I found out that I am a BRCA 2 carrier, where I have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. At the time I really didn't understand the significance of this and tried to avoid conversations about my pending future. I wanted to bury myself away from the 'c' word and forge on that my gene mutation wouldn't stop me.
The truth however kept following me, with an oophorectomy (removal of my tubes and ovaries) being required to remove the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The next part of my journey was not considered urgent but was to be a bigger decision whether to have a double mastectomy or not. I started to read more. I finally wanted to know more, coming across the work of Pink Hope. The two-year waiting time allowed me to feel more empowered that the surgery was a positive thing, especially when thinking about my ten-year-old son. Little did I know, how important this decision was going to be.
In May of this year (2021), the mastectomy was completed, with 6 days being spent in hospital before getting to come home. The unexpected discovery was that cancer cells were found in my right breast. The shock of this totally took me by surprise but relief drowning my emotions because I had made the best decision of my life.
While the past 4 months have been challenging, I am finally well on the way with my recovery. This fathers day, I managed a joyful hour-long walk with my boys.
In October I am turning 50 but due to the current COVID restrictions, it is looking quite unlikely that I will be able to host a party. So instead, I am asking you, my friends, family & network to join me and support my efforts by making a secure online donation. All donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to Pink Hope.
If you are not able to contribute at this time, I totally understand, however, I do encourage you to start having your own life-saving conversations, find out about your family genetics, think about your own risks and options. Put your health first.
On behalf of myself and the Pink Hope community, Thank you so much for your support!
Hopefully, we can meet up in person sometime soon for a conversation, a laugh, cheer that I am free of breast cancer, or maybe even have a glass of bubbles to celebrate life.
With much love and gratitude,
Cathy
xox
Thank you to my Sponsors
$515
Anonymous
$500
Silverback
$104.40
Deb
Grateful to know you Cathy. What a brave thing you have done for yourself and family, and a generous thing you are doing for others through this fundraiser. Happy birthday wonderful woman xx
$104.40
Jody Mehlhopt
I am in awe of your strength and bravery, you are a wonderful role model with a beautiful soul xx
$104.40
Melissa Fisher
You are such a powerful women Cathy. So glad that this organisation could help you. So happy to support such a beautiful organisation.
$104.40
Jacinta Mcmahon
You are a true inspiration, lovely Cathy. Take care and can’t wait till we can meet up for a long overdue glass of bubbles xxx
$104.40
Sarah Henshaw
You are amazing! All our love The Henshaw fam ❤️
$104.40
Sarah Bell-andrews
Cathy, you have been and continue to be, an amazing support to my family. The least we can do is donate to Pink Hope. Happy 50th Birthday in October.
$104.40
Sandhya
Happy, happy birthday Cathy! And here's to kicking breast cancer in the behind, and trusting your intuition. Can't wait to catch up socially again when this is all over.
$52.20
Wendy Angel
You are definitely an inspirational and a strong woman Cath. Keep up the great work. Xx
$52.20
Barbara Toohey
Well done Cathy
$52.20
Janelle Ladson
Thanks for sharing your storey. Makes us all stop and think. Especially as we all are getting older xx 😘
$52.20
Nick Rees
Hi Cathy! I don’t know how I missed this! Happy 50th when it comes! You are one of the most positive people I worked with so know you will remain strong! Xx
$52.20
Kate Bertoncello
Nice work Cathy. Looking forward to the gym sessions soon 💪🏼🤩❤️
$52.20
Kerryn Sneddon
Love ya bestie. Love Kez
$52.20
Lisa Ruggiero
What a wonderful thing to do Cath! Xxxxxx
$52.20
Heidi Gregory
Lots of love for your recovery Cathy xx Heidi.
$52.20
Anne Craig
Thanks for sharing your story. You’re a courageous and inspiring woman. Lots of love and best wishes for your recovery. xx
$52.20
Anonymous
You’re a very brave girl … thank you for sharing and I will share it on. Take care lovely lady and if there’s anything you need as well as love, support and hugs, please let me know xxxx
$52.20
Annie
Very proud of you Cate how you have work through your journey of having the BRCA2. Love you ❤️
$52.20
Anne Beaumont
Wishing you success in your future endeavors whatever they are..
$52.20
Kathryn White
What a women! Personal strength and helping kids that are dyslexic. Happy 50th birthday! Love Kath (MSLClub)
$52.20
Bec Laver
Oh you amazinggggg woman x lots of love and ongoing support x Bec
$52.20
Denise Stergoulis
Thank you for sharing such a difficult story. You are an amazing lady, who supported our family and helped us beyond words. Thinking of you - especially during this difficult time x take care and you go girl into the 50's club xxxxx
$52.20
Andrea Naphegyi
💕💕💞💖💗💓
$52.20
Wendy Fleming
You are one amazing woman Cathy! ❤️
$52.20
Maree Fisicchia
Your are an amazing woman Cathy. All the best with your recovery xx
$52.20
Anonymous
Such a brave woman you are Cathy. Sending you love and best wishes for your birthday from the Kroes family
$52.20
Elizabeth Morrow Foley
Thank you for sharing your story and a big hug to you. I still want to drop by a coffee! Next week? X
$52.20
Kathryn Stary
You’re amazing! Sooo proud of you and all that you’ve achieved. Xxx
$52.20
Karolina Ferres
I love you my friend ❤
$52.20
Belinda Winkelman
❤️
$52.20
Claire Knight
Cathy you are a brave, wonderful, caring soul. I admire your courage and tenacity. Much love, thoughts and prayers.
$52.20
Dorothy Radke
Grateful for the gift of you! The difference you have made in the lives of many is truly exponential, including this little family.
$52.20
Alison Hitchcock
Cathy you are an inspiration 💕Big hugs
$50
Nerida Newell
Love you!
$31.32
Sharon Hunt
Sending you a massive hug Cathy. Looking forward to catching up soon. 💕
$31.32
Tracey Mellier
Well done Cathy, you have been so strong and brave to choose to act and so glad you did!
$31.32
Buffy Waugh
So proud of you. Look forward to catching up one day x
$31.32
Susi
Great cause Cathy -so happy to know you are doing well. Hope to be able to catch up soon-Covid restriction willing...
$31.32
Julie Mavlian
Thank you for so bravely sharing your story Cathy and empowering other to do the same 💕
$31.32
Julie Wishart
Hey Cathy, want an inspiration you are. I saw Alice(yes I was at the Macorna footy)back in May & she told me what you were going through, well done to you. So glad to hear you are doing ok. Take care & cheers 🥂😘
$31.32
Charmian Lonnen
You’re an amazing lady Cathy with such incredible energy, love and compassion. Life threw you a curve ball and you’ve risen to the challenge. I’m so proud to call you my friend 💗💗💗
$31.32
Allison Mcmullin
What an incredibly brave decision. Thank you for sharing your story. Happy to donate in lieu of being able to celebrate your birthday with you.
$31.32
Fiona Anderson
Happy Birthday for a start🎂. Wish we could be together to help you celebrate 🎈. Been nearly 2 years since I have seen you. Hopefully the borders will open soon. So very proud of your achievements how lucky am I to call you my baby sister. Keep going with raising awareness on this very important subject. ❤️🙏😊
$31.32
Chrissy Edis
It has been an absolute pleasure to call you one of my closest friends over the past 45 years! You are amazing! Love you and miss you, sweetie! Your little buddy Chrissy xo
$30
Cathy Harrison
Go me!
$20.88
Chelsea Brown
I just read your story Cathy and had no idea. What a brave and couragess journey you have been on. Big hugs xxx
$20.88
Vicki Baldwin
Well done Cath!
$20.88
Pauline Harris
So inspirational, glad you are doing ok x
$20.88
Cat Whinfield
Wow Cathy. Thank you for sharing your story. You're one incredible women xx
$20.88
Karen Keast
$20.88
Renae Peattie
You’re amazing Cathy xx
$20
Genevieve Valencia
Way to go Cathy. You are awesome 🤩
$10.44
Karina Roby
You are very brave and you have had to sacrifice a lot for your own health and for your family. Well done my good friend - onwards and upwards. Xx
$10.44
Abby Werth
Huge love and respect, Cathy. All power to you XX
Happy 50th Cathy - it’s NEVER too late to celebrate- life or birthdays!! Hoping to see you soon ❤️