Ruth Burnett Under 40, fighting Breast Cancer

HI my name is Petta Burnett, I am the sister of Ruth Burnett who is fighting breast cancer, She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

This was a complete shock for the family as she is only 37 and has a family to look after as well. Ruth is the main income for the house as her partner is unable to work due to medical reason and has always been the stay at home dad when there 3 boys where younger and not at school. Their 3 children are 9,16 and 18.

Ruth works as full time Aged Care Personal Worker for a nursing home in Port Augusta and has been supported amazing by her employer, but unfortunately she doesn’t have any leave left to cover the 9 months of treatment, as she has taken all her sick, annual and long service leave to cover her time off and recovery period for her mastectomy.

Ruths next stage of treat will include a trip to Adelaide early in September to have another scan and fingers cross there are no surprises here as well have her Central port insert so she can receive her Chemotherapy for the next 6 months and then she has 3 months of radiation treatment as well. Lucky she can travel to Whyalla for the treatment which is great for her and the family.

She has been told that the Chemotherapy treatment is starting on the 10th September and it will be hard on her body and she will lose her hair.

Since I live in Coober Pedy and unable to assist with some the travel to and from appts, I have decided to support in not only emotionally, but I am going to completely shave my head and go bald with her so she doesn’t have to do it on her own. I will be shaving my head on Friday 13th September 2024, and will place a video up of this event.

This has been tough on the whole family as my step mum (Ruth Mum) has not been able to take her appts as she is the primary carer for our dad, we are all hoping that since this has been caught early then we can beat the cancer which I know she has the fight to do with all the support of family, friends.

These funds are going to help with the expenses in the travel to Adelaide and Whyalla for treatment.