Help Ciara fight metastatic stage 4 adenocarcinoma

Hi, my name is Natasha and with the help from my friend Emily, we are going to each swim 100km over the next 100 days, including Rottnest ocean crossings to help raise funds for a friend of mine, Ciara Miller.

Ciara recently had the rug pulled from beneath her feet, without warning and received the diagnosis of metastatic (stage 4) adenocarcinoma; this cancer is classified as terminal.

It's aggressive and is affecting multiple organs, her lymphatic and skeletal system. At this stage we do not know how this is going to end. Stage 4 cancer is challenging to treat, but treatment options may help control the cancer and improve pain, other symptoms and quality of life.

Ciara is only 37 years, and holds no risk factors or significant family history. Although this type of cancer is common, she does not fit the usual selection criteria.

To add insult to injury, comes costs associated with fighting such a determined spreading cancer, inclusive but not limited to; specialists, hospital fees, treatments, medications... Additionally costs we may not think about, such as the ongoing daily cost of living now that there is an inability to work, or funds to purchase a wig after hair loss, or funds to bring out family members who live overseas.

Since the diagnosis, Ciara has had a chemo infusion port inserted and has now started chemotherapy. She has an amazing oncologist and the best healthcare team behind her to fight this aggressive cancer. Ciara despite everything is hopeful, determined and approaching the journey with a loving curiosity and a good bit of dark humour.

If you can skip a coffee this morning and instead donate, any amount counts.

We also welcome you to jump in the pool or ocean alongside us, to not only help raise funds, but to help raise awareness that this really can happen to any of us.