Katie's Healing Cancer Campaign

Dear Family and Friends,

These types of fundraisers are rarely adopted for happy-related causes, but how fortunate for us all to have a platform that spread awareness, love and hope – with the added opportunity to generate financial support for those who need it most.

It is with sadness and heart-felt concern that we share the news of our (and your) dear friend Katie's breast cancer diagnosis on Friday, June 30th. While we were working, or off with the kids on holidays and just going about life, Katie sat in a doctor's office and heard the words 'Invasive Ductal Carcinoma' for the first time. She has begun a journey and process that will no doubt make her even more resilient (if that's even possible!), stronger, and more alive than ever before; it will not be easy, but Katie is a fighter.

As many of you know, Katie is the sole carer of her 9-year-old son, Benji. If you have ever had the pleasure of spending time with this little man you know his incredible personality, loving behaviour and sense of humour are only pieces of what makes up one amazing boy, entirely raised by one damn impressive mother. You will also know that Katie is his whole universe, as he is hers. Benji was diagnosed with autism at age 5, and it is important to keep his routine and environment as normal as possible. Katie will also have to maintain his health appointments while she traverses her own.

Katie has been his advocate and an advocate for many of us here on this page. She is a true friend, can have you in stitches laughing after a bad day, gives warm hugs, and supports her loved ones in every way she can. She has the special skill of transforming something stressful into something lighter, and even laughable.

So while this is not at all a happy occasion, it is certainly packed full of hope and positivity. It is important to understand that, while the recovery statistics for this type of cancer are quite high, the invasive medical treatments and procedures that are part of the process of healing will be extremely taxing on Katie – physically, emotionally, and financially. The treatment that Katie is facing requires a considerable amount of time off from working, the need for domestic assistance, as well as any complementary treatments or devices she needs to utilise in order to beat this insidious disease and completely recover. Regular living expenses will still continue to roll in, too.

So, let's all get behind this beautiful mother/son duo and shower them with support! Because we love them and their gorgeous souls. Because they light up the world. Because they deserve and need our help. Please donate what you can – no amount is too big or too small.

With eternal gratitude,

Carolyn & Bec