4 minute read
Sisters are doing it for the cause
Sisters Helen Rowcliffe and Diane Wilkinson have a strong family history of breast cancer, with their mum and aunt both dying from the disease.
Unlike her mother and her aunt who were diagnosed in their 60s, Diane was 38 years old with two small children when she found a lump in her breast. It was the start of a tough year of treatment including bilateral mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Diane’s diagnosis happened at the same time that Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer and Diane is happy that, 18 years later, both she and Kylie are still going strong. She also recalls meeting a 25-year survivor shortly after her own diagnosis and how that woman’s long-term survival helped give Diane a positive attitude to her own journey.
“Hearing stories of people who survive was incredibly inspirational and gave me a lot of hope,” says Diane. “The treatment and support I had was so different than it was for Mum. I was fortunate to have early detection and to be given the best medical treatment. I’m incredibly grateful for all the women and men who have been before us, because their journeys have increased the knowledge base of this disease, improved treatment and increased survival outcomes. I truly believe I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all that have gone before.”
Diane is also keen to remind women to be aware of their body.“Women (and men) know their body best,” she says. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself, don’t wait, and get it checked out.”
National Breast Cancer Foundation data shows that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 76 per cent to 92 per cent, thanks to research which has driven improvements in prevention, early detection, treatment and care. In the last 10 years, rates of breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 33 per cent.
The NBCF has funded vital life-saving research into breast cancer since 1994, helped largely by The Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) fun run/walk in which Diane has run.
It was Diane’s diagnosis that spurred her sister Helen to diligently get yearly mammograms and three-yearly MRIs. Ten years ago, aged 49 years, an MRI following a routine mammogram showed hyperplastic breast tissue changes. Helen decided to be proactive and undergo risk-reducing
3 Villas still to find an owner
3 Villas still to find an owner prophylactic mastectomies and reconstruction.
“I always knew that if there was any change in my breasts I would do something definitive, even though we are genetically negative to the BRCA breast cancer gene,” says Helen.
On Sunday 14 May, Canberra will hold its 17th MDC at Lake Burley Griffin to raise money for breast cancer research.
Complementing the five-kilometre walk and run and the 10 km run, there will be a lively atmosphere with plenty of pink, an event village with breast cancer support groups, music, and food stalls throughout the morning, as well as family entertainment and activities.
Extended story online. To register to participate, volunteer or fundraise, go to mothersdayclassic.com.au
Key Benefits
Key Benefits
A wonderful community spirit with so much to do
A wonderful community spirit with so much to do
Summerfield provides outstanding value – half the price of Sydney –two-thirds of Canberra
Summerfield provides outstanding value – half the price of Sydney –two-thirds of Canberra
Large spacious 3 bed 2 bath car villas – average 187 sqm (20 squares)
2 car villas – average 187 sqm (20 squares)
Freehold
Freehold – no exit fees – can sell when you wish no deductions
Excellent common facilities – club house, heated pool, arts and crafts all built
Beautiful large enclosed balcony sunroom on all villas all north facing
Large master bedroom big enough for a day bed and desk as well as a king bed
Large master bedroom big enough for a day bed and desk as well as a king bed
Walk through wardrobe to a large spacious master bathroom all disability compliant
Walk through wardrobe to a large spacious master bathroom all disability compliant
Large workable designer kitchen –ample cupboard space
Large workable designer kitchen –ample cupboard space
Light filled living and dining area –large windows
Light filled living and dining area –large windows
Plush carpet and tiles
Plush carpet and tiles
Functional layout for the elderly and all SEPP Seniors compliant
Functional layout for the elderly and all SEPP Seniors compliant
2 car garage
2 car garage ceilings and clerestory windows
High ceilings some with magnificent vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows
Low maintenance garden which you can then adapt to your own needs
Low maintenance garden which you can then adapt to your own needs
WHY CHOOSE SUMMERFIELD?
WHY CHOOSE SUMMERFIELD?
1 Freehold title – experience over 55’s independent living
1 Freehold title – experience over 55’s independent living
Surrounded by heritage listed countr yside on three sides with a brand new hospital on the other.
Surrounded by heritage listed countr yside on three sides with a brand new hospital on the other Summer field has all facilities you would want in retirement.
Summer field has all facilities you would want in retirement.
Here are a few reasons why it works for you:
Here are a few reasons why it works for you:
OPEN DAY SUNDAY 10am – 4pm
OPEN DAY SUNDAY 10am – 4pm
2 Exceptional value for these exclusive 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car villas
2 Exceptional value for these exclusive 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car villas.
3 Exceptional amenities in a pristine, clean air, countr y environment – including club house, pool, ar ts and craf ts area, already built
3 Exceptional amenities in a pristine, clean air, countr y environment – including club house, pool, ar ts and craf ts area, already built
4 Range of optional resident activities for great community involvement
5 Strategically located between Canberra and the coast with an easy drive to Sydney
4 Range of optional resident activities for great community involvement
5 Strategically located between Canberra and the coast with an easy drive to Sydney
JANE - 0400 472 577
