Raising your first-born child is challenge enough for any young woman, but for Kim Tonnet it was just the beginning of what she had to face.
At only 34, Kim learnt she had three cancerous lumps in her right breast. Her young family’s life thrown into turmoil, suddenly a mastectomy operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy became part of Kim’s reality – and the possibility she might not live to see her son Ashley grow up.
But Kim is a fighter, so she simply got on with the business of surviving. And she drew support from others, through Cancer Council services like Cancer Connect, a one-on-one peer support programme, Soiree, a regular meeting of women dealing with breast cancer, and the information line. “It was really good to actually speak to people, rather than just professionals” she said, “[it] was a very supportive environment… Even just the information line was useful. It was more than just dispensing information. They were very empathetic.”
Five years later, Kim is enjoying every moment of her good health. “I have every chance I’ll see my child through to maturity... I feel eternally grateful to the public at large for their support.”
Get involved with Pink Ribbon Day and help us beat breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Day is your opportunity to really do something to help women like Kim fight breast cancer and survive.
Show your support by ordering pink products to sell , volunteering your time, holding a pink fundraiser or making a donation now.