Support Emma to fight breast cancer during pregnancy

Hi, I'm Adriana from Perth, Western Australia. I've known Emma Scheepens my entire life as our families have been long term friends. Emma has always been a kindhearted, hard-working person who supports others around her.

Emma is soon to turn 32 and has been in a long-term relationship with her partner Calin. They had been trying to have their first child for over 8 years. In October 2024, Emma received the great news that she was pregnant. However, at the same time, she had noticed a lump in her breast which was initially dismissed by doctors. Two months later, scans looked suspicious and after further testing she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer as the cancer was in one breast and the adjacent lymph node. To make matters worse, she had further investigations which identified that the cancer had spread to a large mass in her rib and two smaller masses in her sternum and pelvis. She has now been formally diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer (ER positive, HER2 negative) and started chemotherapy on 25/01/25 whilst being 18 weeks pregnant. She will receive ongoing chemotherapy whilst pregnant and ongoing intensive treatment once her baby is born electively by caesarean. Doctors are working hard to preserve the lives of both Emma and her baby in the long term.

Emma and her family chose to receive private treatment as the WA public health system were too slow to provide essential appointments during the diagnostic stages. Given Emma's pregnancy, all treatment decisions have been time critical. Emma did not have top hospital health insurance cover as most people in their 30's do not expect to be diagnosed with cancer. Emma's anticipated medical bills are in excess of $30,000. It is a heartbreaking situation made significantly more complex with Emma's pregnancy.

I hope to spread messages of love and support for Emma and her family while she has treatment and prepares for the upcoming birth of her first child. All donations towards this cause would be greatly appreciated.