A South Hedland woman has become the face of a new appeal urging West Australians to donate to cancer support services.
Breast cancer champion, Ann Rahn, said she was packing up her house in Darwin to move to Western Australia for a new job as a registered midwife, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.
"It all started with feeling a sore spot in my right breast, so I went and saw my GP who sent me for an urgent mammogram after finding another lump," Ms Rahn shared.
"As I was finishing up in Darwin, my GP said I needed to see a breast surgeon because the mammogram looked like breast cancer. I was on my own as my husband was already in WA working.
"I ended up going from Darwin to South Hedland to drop my gear off, then my husband and I drove two and half days down to Rockingham.
"Further scans and biopsies revealed suspicious spots in my ribs so within 10 days I went from having a small sore spot on my right breast to metastatic stage 3 breast cancer."
Ann had six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and six weeks of radiation, before unfortunately becoming unwell at the end of November.
"They found a huge abscess in my right breast, which was a real struggle for my healing process, however the good news is that in January this year I received the news that I am cancer free and in remission."
Being new to WA and not knowing anyone or having anywhere to stay, Ann was put in touch with our Pilbara Cancer Support Coordinator, Monica Graham. Monica was able to provide Ann with much needed information, referring her to financial and emotional support services, both in Perth and South Hedland. Monica also referred Ann to our accommodation lodges which are available to regional cancer patients accessing treatment in Perth.
"Having somewhere we can come and feel supported, feel cared for during treatment, with or without a carer or partner, just takes so much weight off everyone's shoulders," she said.
"I am so grateful to Cancer Council WA for all their assistance and support, so I urge everyone to get behind this appeal."
Our Cancer Information and Support Services Director, Melanie Marsh, said a cancer diagnosis is an incredibly difficult time with many challenges. For regional cancer patients these challenges are amplified.
"A cancer diagnosis can mark the beginning of a journey full of emotional, physical, financial and practical challenges," Ms Marsh acknowledged.
"For regional cancer patients, like Ann, this is made even more difficult when you're suddenly uprooted from your home to access life saving treatment.
How you can help
We offer a wide range of practical and emotional supports services, cancer-related information, and referral to professional services.
We're here for all West Australians affected by cancer. But we cannot do it without your support.
Together, we can make sure no West Australian faces cancer alone.
All gifts over $2 are tax-deductable and if you give before 30 June 2022, you can claim your donation in the upcoming tax return!
