Helping to make memories for Natasha

Natasha’s story

Our dear friend Natasha was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2019 at the age of 37. What she thought was just her breast tissue changing after breast feeding her daughter a few years earlier, turned out to be a grapefruit sized tumour. 

Natasha underwent surgery within weeks of her diagnosis and then began gruelling Chemotherapy. Chemo takes no prisoners and it took its toll with pain, nausea and tiredness, she also endured an extreme adverse reaction which meant she had to be admitted to hospital. All the while trying to care for her daughter Summer, who was three at the time. Summer ticked off every Chemo session on their count down chart, something that really helped to keep Natasha mentally strong. 

On the 10th December 2019, Natasha was able to ring the bell marking the end of her treatment and other than taking medication to force the menopause, she was hoping to start living life to the absolute full. However, Covid-19 put a halt to getting back to life as she knew it, as the country went into lock down.  

In March 2022, just as post Covid life resumed, Natasha found a lump in her neck. She was given an urgent CT scan and the results revealed that tragically the cancer had spread to her lung and lymph nodes. While secondary breast cancer can be treated, it cannot be cured. This is such a devastating blow for Natasha and her family and everyone that knows and loves her. She is now dealing with the shock and trauma a secondary cancer diagnosis brings. 

Natasha has started treatment to control the cancer and we hope give her good quality of life for as long as possible. The future however is uncertain, and what is important now is that Natasha is able to make plans. Everyone needs something to look forward to in life, but the uncertainty of secondary breast cancer makes this all the more important. And beyond that, plans that will allow her to make memories with her husband, daughter and step-children that they can cherish and hold on to.

The treatment however is already causing side effects, including pain in her limbs and memory loss.

Natasha is adored by her friends, she is well known and well loved where she grew up and lives in Kent. She has a gorgeous soul and the thoughtful one in our group. Above all, she is a wonderful Mother, something she longed for and among the uncertainty, what she wants most is to be able to be there for her daughter, Summer, and make the life they have together as memorable as possible. So we want to make it our mission to raise as much as we can to give her the chance to take her family on a holiday they will always remember. 

We understand that life is difficult for many at the moment so a huge thank you for your generosity. Any donation is appreciated beyond words. 

Natasha’s family getting stuck into the Bubble Rush to help raise money for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.