A young Wellard Mum has become the face of a new appeal urging West Australians to donate to cancer support services, following her breast cancer diagnosis at 34 years of age.
In late 2021, Alix, a single mother of three, began noticing changes in her body. Initially, she thought these might be related to the birth of her third child, who was just eight months old. But deep down, she knew something wasn't right with her body.
"My GP ran so many tests she must have thought I was a hypochondriac. Then one night I was in the shower and felt a lump under my arm, so went back to the GP, and an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed it was stage 2 breast cancer".
Alix shares that her initial feeling to hearing the diagnosis was a sense of relief, as she knew something wasn't right with her body. She then thought about how she would beat this so she could be around for her children.
"I knew the diagnosis would change my life and I was worried about the effect it would have on my children," she shared.
Alix endured eight rounds of chemo, followed by a double mastectomy and multiple surgeries, which involved complications.
During her recovery Alix received massage and reflexology through Cancer Council WA's complementary therapy program at Dot's Place in Mandurah, which helped immensely with her emotional health and general wellbeing.
While Alix's cancer experience was one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, she's now rebuilding her life. After accessing Cancer Council WA complementary therapies during her recovery, Alix is back at work as a hairdresser, where she openly shares her breast cancer journey with her clients, helping to raise awareness.
Cancer Council WA Supportive Care Director, Melanie Marsh, said cancer support services are entirely community funded, meaning donations are vital to ensuring no West Australian has to face cancer alone.
"Cancer Council WA's range of support services are here to provide a trustworthy guide to cancer patients, their family, friends and carers, and can assist with the physical, emotional and practical impact that a cancer diagnosis can bring," Ms Marsh said.
I urge people to support this appeal so that more West Australians like Alix who are diagnosed with cancer, will be able to access support services.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be claimed if made by 30 June 2025.
How your tax-deductible gift will help:
- Your $25 gift can help transport a cancer patient staying at our Crawford or Milroy Lodge to and from hospital for treatment. Our Lodges provide a home away from home and vital support for country cancer patients who need to travel to Perth for treatment.
- Your $50 gift funds a call to our 13 11 20 cancer nurses who provide free and confidential information and support on all aspects of cancer.
- Your $100 gift funds a wig for a cancer patient to provide confidence and help them cope with the loss of their hair.
