Jacalyn Bates

Personal Journey

Hi all, Breast Cancer touches the lives of many people, its likely that you all know someone who has been affected. Not all of you may be aware that my family has also been touched by breast cancer. My mother had breast cancer when she was in her 40s, I was 16. She had a partial mastectomy and needed to go to another state to have radiation therapy. My fathers side of the family has the BRCA2 gene, this includes me. I have an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer. I decided I did not want to accept the increased risk and put myself and my family through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is no regular screening available for ovarian cancer. For many years I have had scans every 6 months to monitor for breast changes, I have had 2 breast biopsies. I have had ovaries removed, plus uterus and tubes. I have also started the process for bilateral mastectomies, which included a gastric bypass so I could lose enough weight to be considered for surgery. 

I’m part of the International Women’s Day Fun Run!

I'm raising funds to support women with breast cancer now and into the future. 

By making a donation, you can play a part in improving treatments and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer.  

When you donate, you’re helping to support counselling services and supply practical items like mastectomy bras and wigs after surgery and chemotherapy.  

You’ll also be supporting world leading research that focuses on improving survival rates and working towards a world where ALL women diagnosed with breast cancer survive. 

Ultimately, you’ll help make life easier for women with breast cancer today and save more lives tomorrow. 

As little as $65 can make a profound impact and take some of the stress off women with breast cancer and their families. Please, if you possibly can, will you donate today?