Caroline's Journey..

"Wanderlust, a strong desire or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world..."

This is something I truly believe Caroline dreams of, and achieves. To wake up each morning and to face what the universe throws at her..

Unfortunately, last year in December, she was faced with something every women fears the most.
One evening, just like any other evening, Caroline was relaxing at home when she reached over and felt something that she knew shouldn't be there- a lump in her right breast.
After several appointments and tests with doctors for breast cancer, she was informed with the shocking news that it had come up positive.

Caroline has "Triple negative breast cancer" which is a type of breast cancer that does not have any of the three receptors commonly found on breast cancer cells – the oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Around 15% of breast cancers are triple negative.
Treatment for triple negative breast cancer usually involves surgery (breast conserving or mastectomy), radiotherapy if breast conserving surgery was performed, and chemotherapy. 

Recently, Caroline took a big step by shaving her hair. It was difficult, and yes she cried the days before, but she took a positive attitude towards this experience that- 'hair does always grow back'.
I admire this positive outlook she's showed throughout this whole experience. The energy, the courage, the motivation she shows whilst she continues to work ground duties at Gold Coast airport, her determination to focus on her uni work; it's absolutely incredible at how strong she truly is.

We all know of someone, or have had either friends or family members diagnosed with a form of cancer. We know how stressful, how frightening and how upsetting it can be. Stressful due to finances, frightening because of the outcome, and upsetting to witness someone go through something you could never imagine.

Since the results, Caroline has had to move from her home in Byron Bay to Gold Coast to begin chemotherapy in hospital.
She's been fortunate to have most medical bills covered, however, there have been some expenses that unfortunately aren't covered.
Her chemotherapy runs for 5 months- 12 weekly sessions of the Taxol treatment which she is currently on, she will then receive a trial drug or placebo every 3rd week, then 2 months of more intense chemotherapy, finishing off with surgery.

During these months, especially when she's no longer well enough to work, I am hoping to raise money for Caroline to show support, to show how much we care, and to show the love to our fellow colleague and friend.
With the money we raise, it can help cover significant amounts of medical bills, support with rent, home bills etc, but most importantly supplements/ vitamins for extra nutrients she will be lacking in due to the chemotherapy.
Oh, and of course a few good quality wigs!!


Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you with all my heart for your support, your love, your kindness and generosity for making this happen for our wonderful friend, Caroline.

Every little amount is greatly appreciated and i thank you so very much..

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Update 09/03/2016.

I've just been informed that i've had to add a little information about myself from the team at GoFundMe.com
Also, i realized i haven't mentioned anything about myself so here it goes...

My name is Jennifer Szewczyk, i live in Sydney and work with Caroline at Virgin Australia Long Haul.

I've known Caroline for over 4 years, and i have to say she is one girl with a good sense of humour, one who's always made me laugh whenever we fly together or when we catch up for dinner on our layovers! She is a friend i always enjoy being around purely because she honestly cracks me up and makes me smile with that incredible aura of hers. 
She has a heart of gold, and really is such a nice, friendly and happy person to be around.

When i heard about Caroline's cancer it broke my heart to imagine what she will have to face in the months ahead. I also knew her family live in the UK, and having parents live oversea's myself, i knew how upsetting it would be for her to feel like she's facing this alone.

It's from that moment i wanted to do something that would change her world, and change my world forever.. thus the beginning of "Caroline's Journey"...