Tricia’s Story

We have set up this page to help raise funds in honour of Tricia.

Tricia was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2003 at the tender age of 30. The treatment options were explained to Tricia but she was told that if she underwent chemotherapy then this would adversely affect her chances of having children in the future. Tricia agonised over the decision but decided to undergo surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She beat the cancer. Amazingly, she also went on to have 3 beautiful children, Zach, Alannah and Anyaliese.

Tricia’s courageous, inspiring and determined character was further demonstrated when, during her treatment, Tricia set up her own support group, called HUGS (Healthy Uplifting Group Support). While she had accessed a number of fantastic support groups herself, she still felt a little isolated as a young woman battling triple negative breast cancer. For this reason, HUGS was aimed specifically at young women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer, which is particularly aggressive and doesn't respond to regular hormone chemotherapies.

Unfortunately, the triple negative breast cancer cruelly struck for a second time when Tricia was 42. The cancer was in her other breast. As well as having the full range of treatment as before, Tricia also had a mastectomy. Despite suffering enormously herself throughout the treatment with numerous admissions into intensive care with sepsis, pneumonia and various infections requiring blood transfusions, she continued to advise, counsel and support others going through cancer. Tricia was trying to provide a positive approach to such a terrible disease.

Earlier this year, Tricia received the devastating news that the breast cancer was back. She soon discovered the heartbreaking news that the cancer was Stage 4 and had spread to her liver, chest wall and neck. No surgery was possible. Undeterred and undaunted, Tricia embarked on an immunotherapy clinical trial at St Bart’s in London. For 3 days every week she had to travel to and stay in London. Despite initial good progress, Tricia began to suffer from reactions to the immunotherapy drugs and infections in the site of the breast tumour. She became quite unwell and has been unable to continue to travel to London for the treatment. Unfortunately, a recent scan has revealed that the cancer has now spread to her bones; spine, sacrum, hips and pelvis. Despite these setbacks, she has vowed to stay positive and keep fighting…because that’s just who she is and what she does! She is fighting for her life, fighting for her children.

To help Tricia’s fight, we are raising funds to explore alternative treatment options abroad; to assist with any travel/accommodation costs; to provide daily living care that Tricia will need for her and her children and to perhaps help provide some financial support for her 3 beautiful children in the future. We welcome personal donations from people that can, wealthy benefactors and companies/other organisations. We also welcome people organising fundraising events in Tricia’s name (be creative!!) or just offering whatever support and assistance they can. Together we can make a difference.

Thank you in advance