Alison needs a double mastectomy

Alison is the strongest woman I know. She is a firey in NSW and has been for 12 years. She is an apprentice electrician, a mum of two boys... and because she is strong, independent, fearless and selfless, she is too proud to ever ask for help....even when she really, really needs it! 

Ali was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis as an adult. A condition that causes tumours to form on the nerve cells, including the brain and spine. It is progressive, unpredictable and there is no cure. Women with NF have a much higher chance of developing breast cancer. Alison especially because she has a family history of breast cancer with a high mortality rate. Due to this, Alison has yearly MRI breast scans. Last year, in 2018 her scans were clear...this year, in less than 12 months, her scans have shown multiple growths in both of her breasts. 

Alison's priority and purpose in life is being a mum to her two boys. William is 9 and has NF1 too (with ASD, a blocked artery in his brain and suspected spinal tumours) and Matthew is 6. Specialists have suggested a double mastectomy, to SAVE ALI'S LIFE and prevent her from developing breast cancer. Yet, because the growths aren't yet malignant (Despite an almost certainty that they will become cancerous) the surgery Alison needs is not covered by the public health system. Alison has to come up with approximately $15,000 to have her breasts removed...and that is without considering reconstructive surgery later down the track. 

Alison does everything for everyone. She volunteers for the Children's Tumour Foundation, she is a firefighter for NSW Fire and Rescue and she is a loving mother, friend and daughter. She is on an apprentice wage and has a mortgage, so this shocking diagnosis and push for surgery is not something Alison can achieve, without our help.

It is scary enough to have your breasts cut off and be told you are high risk for breast cancer...without having the added stress of coming up with the funds to pay for a surgery that should not be considered "elective".  Will and Matthew deserve to grow up with their mum and Alison should be able to take the necessary measures to stay healthy and prevent cancer... let's help Ali lose her boobs and keep her life!