Merry's battle with Ovarian Cancer

One of our dearest and longest friends Merry Collins has started battling one of the toughest fights she will face and that no one should have to experience in their lifetime.

Before I tell you a little about Merry’s battle ahead I want to tell you about the person she is and the person I and many are lucky to call a dear friend.

Merry has always been one of the highest achievers that I know. She has 2 degrees, owned a successful shop, volunteered for a mental health hotline and works full time with vulnerable children as a social worker. However this is just one of her many qualities. She is fun, enthusiastic, creative and loyal. Merry is an adored friend, supporting sister, amazing daughter, loyal partner and the best dog mum to Archie. Merry has also been a beloved dance teacher to many young dancers in her community.

On the 19th of September, Merry attended her GP with a bloated stomach and was urgently sent for an ultrasound and CT scan. They found a 20cm tumour in her stomach and put her on bed rest for the next 10 days.

On the 30th of September, Merry had an extensive surgery to remove the tumour, as well as her ovary, fallopian tube and appendix. During this operation they discovered that the tumour grown a further 7cm and ruptured. Merry was in the ICU for 4 days, and then on the hospital ward for another 6 days.

The biopsy found that Merry has stage 3B mucinous ovarian cancer. This is a rare form of cancer that is not well researched. Merry’s treatment plan involves further surgery and multiple cycles of chemotherapy.

Merry is 27. She was thriving in her career, in the process of buying her first home and planning a wedding with the love of her life when her whole world was flipped upside down by this diagnosis. She should be looking forward to all the things in life she has worked so hard for. With Merrys strength, determination and support network I just know that this will be a temporary pause only and she will go on to achieve all her goals.

As you could imagine, this news comes with not only the physical and emotional stress, but also financial. We are reaching out to our communities in the hope to help relieve some of the financial burden for Merry and her finance’ Harry. No matter how big or small, every little bit will help.

Merry, we love you so much.