Our Story

Hi! 👋🏼 

My name is Shiralee and I am currently living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. 

I would like to tell you my story and why we are undertaking this journey later this year in Miss Annabelle the Pink Kombi!

We are heading on this journey in Miss Annabelle the Pink Kombi, not just to traverse distance, but to travel with purpose. In May last year, our lives were forever changed when I received the devastating diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

Together with my loved ones, we're embarking on this journey in Miss Annabelle to make a difference, to spread awareness, and to offer support.

I like most people were busy in the everyday realms of life, working, volunteering and spending time with my family. One day, I noticed that I had quite a substantial amount of numbness and pain in my right forearm and made an appointment to see my treating GP. My GP took one look and immediately sent me off for an exploratory MRI.

A few days after the MRI, I attended the GP not knowing that the results I was about to receive would be life changing. The MRI showed 12 lesions upon my spine and I was told that I had suspected multiple myeloma and was given a referral to an oncologist. 

I was admitted to hospital a few days later to undergo further testing and on day two, we learned that the cancer was not just in many areas of my spine but was also located in the breast, liver, shoulder, sternum and hip. The news was shattering. 

With the amount of cancer in my body, the specialists were unsure what the primary source was and I underwent test after test after test over what turned out to be a 19 day hospital stay!

After multiple biopsies, the specialists discovered that the primary tumour was a grade 2 tumour located in the breast. Breast Cancer. A secondary biopsy on the liver, confirmed that this was the same tumour type as in the breast and I received a diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Whilst in hospital, I commenced multiple forms of treatment including oral chemotherapy and radiation. 

Since then, my journey with Metastatic Breast Cancer has been one with many ups and downs. Days of feeling like I've been hit by a bus, others where I have been able to make special memories with my family, monthly blood tests, injections and visits with my oncologist, start/stops with oral chemotherapy and undergoing 4 rounds of radiation in the space of 6 months. I have also been fortunate enough to connect with a McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Annie Williams in my local area who has provided me with unwavering support.

With my diagnosis, I have been unable to work or volunteer and have always had a passion for helping others and in particular those in the community. I have also always had a dream of someday owning a VW Kombi and with my diagnosis the someday has come now!

And so, earlier this year, I purchased Miss Annabelle, a 1974 VW T2 Transporter Kombi. She is currently burnt orange in colour, with a bit of rust, no interior and requires some TLC. However, by later this year she will be back to her finest and sporting a new colour palette, PINK!

Together with my loved ones, we are embarking on a journey with Miss Annabelle the soon to be Pink Kombi and will be driving from Mt Barker, SA to Sydney, NSW via townships throughout SA, VIC, ACT & NSW with the aim of making a difference, spreading awareness, and to offer support to others who may be on a similar journey to myself.

The McGrath Foundation holds a special place in my heart, and by rallying behind it, we're extending a beacon of hope to those facing similar battles. Each kilometre we travel and the funds we raise is a testament to our unwavering commitment to make a meaningful difference. 

Please join us on this heartfelt journey of solidarity, as we turn kilometres into tangible contributions toward brighter tomorrows for all touched by breast cancer.

If you would like to make a donation, please click the link below -

https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/s/5036/7022 

Let's Pink it Up Together! 

Take care,

Shiralee x