Help fight breast cancer in memory of Emma Shaw

On October 12th, I will be taking part in the Lady Bower 52k Ultra Marathon in memory of my dear friend Emma Shaw, who recently passed away following her diagnosis and battle with breast cancer (BRCA1).

All donations would be greatly appreciated and will go towards the research into preventing and protecting future generations from breast cancer.

This is Emma’s story:

In 2023, Emma found a lump in her left breast, and a biopsy revealed this lump to be a cancerous tumour. A test revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes in her left armpit. Further tests also revealed that Emma had BRCA1, which meant her cancer was genetically linked. Women who test positive for BRCA1 have a faulty gene, resulting in hindered DNA repair and a lack of suppressed cell growth. Therefore, making cancer 45%-90% more likely in their lifetime. Warned that the cancer would quickly spread if a mastectomy was not performed, Emma opted to have a partial mastectomy in the affected breast, so all breast tissue was removed on the left.

 

The mastectomy recovery time was tough, and Emma and her family helped her drain the fluids from the mastectomy to make sure she healed well. Battling with both the pain of the mastectomy and the mental struggle that came with the change in her physical appearance, the only thing that got Emma through was the hope that she was now cancer-free. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

 

A test was later performed to see whether cancer cells had detached from the localised area in her left breast. The test revealed that the cells had spread and were now present in her lungs. Once cancer cells invade another organ, you are instantly classified as terminally ill. The doctors predicted Emma had a year to live. Both Emma and everyone close to her were devastated by this news.

 

In the months that followed, Emma spent her time with her family and friends. This involved doing anything from holidays to Cape Verde with her husband to relaxing and gossiping around the kitchen table with her children and besties. Emma’s family and friends were determined to make Emma feel loved and cared for in the precious time she had left. Laughs were shared, tears were shed, and hugs and kisses were bestowed.

 

On the 27th of July 2024, just under a year after being diagnosed as terminal, Emma passed away with all of her children by her side and her husband holding her hand. Emma was just 51 years old.

 

A lot of BRCA1’s ugly secrets remain unknown, which is why we need to do as much research as we can to find out more about it and prevent its tragic consequences. One day, this could mean that women no longer have to fear their lives being destroyed by the discovery of BRCA1’s presence.

All donations to “prevent breast cancer” would be greatly appreciated.