Bevan and Wendy Francis

Bevan and Wendy's story...

Well, you never know when life throws you a curve ball and nothing can ever prepare you for it. And that’s what happened to us.

After receiving a callback from a normal routine mammogram little did we know the journey and challenges that we were about to face. I had no alarming reason to visit that BreastScreen WA van, which visits regional towns every two years, other than for a normal, routine health check-up. I have no family history, had no lumps and no symptoms.

Three surgeries later, five months of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation and 12 continuing months of immunotherapy all within covid times, definitely becomes challenging for any family physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.

Living in regional Southwest we have travelled to Perth and cracked up over 22,500 kms for these treatments.

During this whole journey our main focus has been trying to keep normality for our three boys aged 15, 12 and 8.

It has taught us a lot about life’s challenges, resilience and positivity.

It has definitely put things into perspective.

With ongoing scans and medication costs our journey continues to be financially challenging. Wendy is now working hard on her cognitive exercises, balance exercises, strength work as well as having her daily sleep to manage fatigue. She wishes for one day to be well enough to return to her volunteer work through community sports and schools and eventually return to the workforce.

By putting our story out there, we hope it raises awareness for others to get tested regularly no matter how healthy and fit you are.

Any donations will help the Francis family as they pay their ongoing medical bills.