Meatballs and Muffins

Every single day, I’m reminded of how incredibly grateful I am to be a survivor of cancer.

Since my diagnosis and successful treatment for breast cancer, gratitude has taken on a deeper, more powerful meaning.

The small moments I once took for granted — my husband’s warm hug in the morning, Sunday dinners with my family, the shimmer of the leaves on my Silver Birch trees in the breeze, the sun’s gentle warmth on my face on a cold day — now feel extraordinary. These simple joys are no longer just part of life; they are reminders of what’s important and everything I treasure.

Going through breast cancer has profoundly changed the way I view life. I now see it as a fragile thread we all hold—one that can break without warning at any moment. That’s why I treat life, and everything in it, as a precious gift to be cherished every single day.

There are no guarantees in life, and none of us knows what lies ahead, which makes it all the more important to be grateful for each day, live in the moment and find joy in life’s little pleasures, instead of constantly chasing material possessions. While this may sound cliché, it often takes a life-altering experience to truly understand it—and then it might just be too late.

With an estimated 20,973 new breast cancer cases expected to be diagnosed in Australia this year, and around 3,272 women to die from it, early detection through regular scans can make all the difference when it comes to surviving breast cancer. I’m living proof of that—and deeply grateful to still be here to tell my story.

I am saddened to learn that only around 50% of eligible women book breast cancer screens. I know it can be hard for women to set time aside for themselves in their busy schedules, but breast screening needs to be a priority because early detection increases the chances of survival to 98% and significantly reduces the need for aggressive treatments. 

If you’re over 40 and due for a breast screen, don’t put it off a moment longer. Book your free scan NOW – here’s how: Breast Screening Australia.