Abby Rossack - Her greatest challenge yet.

The hardest message we are ever going to have to write and we do with the heaviest of hearts.

Saturday April 5th our whole world was brought to a stop. Our beautiful best friend Abby was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal (bowel) cancer. Unfortunately it wasn't detected early and has metastasised to her lymph nodes, lungs and significantly throughout her liver.

In the first week alone she had multiple GP appointments, 2 CT Scans, PET Scan, MRI, Day procedure for Endoscopy, Colonoscopy & biopsy plus specialist surgeon and oncologist appointments & commenced various medications. Her incredible team supported her intensely and Wednesday 16th April Abby started her first session of chemotherapy.

Her treatment regime will be intense and will entail both in hospital and at-home treatment for a minimum of six months, followed by future treatment plans which are currently unknown and unpredictable.

Respecting all cancers, Bowel cancer isn't a joke - It is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-34 in Australia with an average 5-year survival rate at just 13.4% (with treatment). Statistics aside, our girl is a fighter and we know she will prove them wrong.

Our Abby. Mother to two beautiful (and very funny!) children, Ayla (7) and Ari (4). She's a Daughter, Sister, Aunty, Best Friend, 'Colleague' (we know how much she loves to bully you). Gym Buddy, Coffee Buddy - Anything you need her to be, she is there for you.

She's the first to deliver a 'get well soon' hamper or cook her loved ones a meal. She's the comforting message, decision maker & the encouragement you sometimes don't realise you need. She is the proudest mum, she's your bravest friend and the first to make you smile. She is humble, passionate, driven & courageous. But most importantly she is a fighter.

Throughout this year, and with the support of our village we will be seeking to keep all germs and illness to a minimum while still providing them with 'normality' and not stopping any childhood adventures. Anyone who knows Abby, knows her children are her greatest achievement in life. They have her sense of humour (both the funny and the dark humour!), they're quick wit, they're curious, they have her empathy and even better they are very affectionate.

By supporting Abby and her family we are able to ease the unexpected financial burden, pain and stress she will face this year. Understandably treatment and recovery will come first meaning that although her career is a significant part of her identity, it will currently be put on hold. We would like to raise money for Abby and her family for her unexpected treatment and on-going living + medication expenses - Any support you are able to give will be gratefully appreciated.

What Abby is asking of her loved ones:

A memory for her children.

'I need my kids to know stories about what their mum was like. If you can write a memory about me to keep in an envelope for them to read when they're older & tell them memories as they grow up. I'd love to read any memories about us, pick your favourite, funniest or just something ridiculous. I'd love the warmth and positivity while I am having treatment. Anything to bring a smile to me'.

There is no clear timeline right now. Cancer is unpredictable and how it responds to treatment is anyone's guess. Unfortunately, & heartbreakingly this diagnosis will only be a treatment plan, not a cure.

Thank you xx Kim & Liza