Amanda's story of resilience fuels supports for Nepean Cancer Care Centre
At just 21 years old, Amanda’s life changed when she was diagnosed with a lifelong autoimmune disease.
Her journey has been anything but easy enduring a rare blood disorder, two separate melanoma diagnoses, and in 2016, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, all while raising a child and running a business.
Amanda has spent 23 years receiving treatment at the Nepean Cancer Care Centre, not only for her own care but also for the care of her loved ones.
“They’ve looked after my two uncles, and now they’re caring for my dad,” shares Amanda.
“We’ve experienced firsthand the care, compassion, and expertise they offer. It’s been a lifeline for our whole family.”
Amanda and her family have found many ways to give back. Most recently, she and her husband helped raise an incredible $50,000 through Cancer Council’s Stars of Penrith fundraiser.
“After everything the Cancer Care Centre has done for us, how could we not?”
“If someone hears about these initiatives and thinks, ‘Maybe I need to get a skin check or a mammogram’, then that’s worth it. That’s how we save lives.”
Today, Amanda continues to manage her condition with regular treatments and specialist appointments. But thanks to the support around her she continues to move forward.
“The support I’ve had from my family and the dedicated team at Nepean Cancer Care makes a huge difference. If I ever need help, they’re always there.”
“The Nepean Cancer Care staff are the most special kind of people, and I am grateful to have such a supportive, caring and knowledge team around me considering the multiple battles I’ve faced over the years.”
Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder of giving back and the life-changing impact of community support. If you’re interested in making a difference for cancer patients like Amanda, consider signing up for Dry July.
By going alcohol-free for the month of July, participants raise funds for cancer support services that make an incredible difference in the lives of patients and families.
Acting Divisional Manager of the Nepean Cancer Care Centre, Tania Ball says we want to help make a difficult time a little easier for those affected by cancer.
"Dry July allows us to sacrifice something as simple as alcohol to help discover ways to enrich the lives of our patients, their families and carers," says Tania.
Choosing Nepean Cancer Care Centre as your beneficiary helps fund vital equipment, programs, and services that offer comfort, dignity, and hope during life’s most difficult moments.
This year the team hopes to raise enough funds to go towards purchasing equipment that improves the patient experience such as a portable ultrasound machine to assist with cannulations, allied health equipment that improves rehabilitation, and portable oxygen concentrators to enhance patient mobility and independence.
Sign-up for Dry July or donate to the Nepean Cancer Crushers: https://www.dryjuly.com/teams/nepean-cancer-crushers-3