I’m setting up this GoFundMe page for my good friend and work colleague Amanda Wright who has just been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer at the young age of 43. Amanda had been suffering from symptoms for the past eight months but had been repeatedly told by her Doctor that it was ‘probably nothing’. Sadly, this reminds me of my own journey with Bowel Cancer five years ago when my own GP also told me it was nothing. As a result of this late diagnosis, I had to endure six months of chemotherapy. Too many young people are being diagnosed too late, but there is good treatment available and a lot of hope.

In Amanda’s case, a PET scan following her initial diagnosis revealed that the Bowel Cancer had also spread to the Liver. Fortunately, it is still extremely treatable, but will likely involve more intensive treatment, which may include both Chemo and Radiation. Before the treatment begins, Amanda will have an operation to remove the tumour, and this is scheduled for a few days time.

The operation and chemotherapy are covered under MediCare, but the Radiation is something she will have to pay for herself. The Radiation treatment available is known to specifically target Liver Cancer and is an essential part of Amanda’s recovery.

The next several months are going to be a challenging time for Amanda and her family. She has only recently had a little baby, who is one year old, after 10 years of trying with her husband, Hamish. The couple have a brand-new mortgage on their dream home and have both been working full time jobs to keep up the payments. Extra expenditure right now is going to be extremely difficult to manage, on top of the stress of medical appointments, caring for their baby and working as much as possible to pay their mortgage.

Amanda knows everyone is doing it tough right now and would never want anyone to feel obliged to give anything they can’t afford. If that is you, a simple well wish would make her day. If you can afford to make a contribution, however, the money will be put straight towards necessary treatment and would really help with the financial burden of the journey she is about to undertake.

Please note, any money donated that is not needed to pay for treatment will be given to Bowel Cancer Australia to fund further research.

Thank you, from Amanda and Family.