Breast cancer took the life of Kim Halley's grandmother, but the Wollongong woman is determined not to suffer the same fate.
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Diagnosed three years ago with an aggressive form of breast cancer, the 34-year-old has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and finally a double mastectomy to increase her chances of survival.
Thanks to ongoing research and development, Ms Halley said her chances were getting better all the time. That's why she is supporting the Mother's Day Classic which raises much-needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
"I'm enjoying life because of the medical advances that have been made," she said.
"Detection and treatments have improved since I lost my grandmother to the disease 20 years ago, and prognosis continues to improve with research.
A passionate advocate of the Mother's Day Classic before her diagnosis, Ms Halley now walks in recognition of her own journey, to support others, and to commemorate those who have lost their lives.
This year she has been honoured to be one of six women from across Australia whose inspirational quotes have been printed on the official Mother's Day Classic bandana.
Her quote - "To make my supporters proud to see I'm on the way to being cancer-free" - captures the gratitude she feels to those who have helped her, including husband Paul who she met just weeks before her diagnosis.
"My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was young, and died of secondaries when I was 13," she said.
"I knew from my early twenties that I would have to be careful, so in 2012, at age 31, I accompanied my mum to her annual check-up at Sydney Breast Clinic.
"Although I had no symptoms, never smoked, always exercised, maintained a healthy BMI, I had a mammogram and ultrasound that day too."
Eighteen tumours were discovered in one breast and Ms Halley was diagnosed with grade three cancer. Surgery and treatment followed and she still undergoes hormone therapy and undertakes regular exercise to deal with her mild lymphoedema.
She now hopes to inspire others to get regular tests.
"My family history led me to demand early testing, but my type of cancer wasn't genetic," she said.
"I encourage every woman regardless of age, lifestyle, breast size or family history to see their GP and ask for a breast ultrasound.
"Diagnostic imaging is the only reliable test for breast cancer."
The Mother's Day Classic fun run or walk began in 1998 to raise funds for breast cancer research.
There are 98 events around Australia, including the Wollongong event which will be held at Stuart Park, North Wollongong, on May 10.
To register or donate, visit www.mothersdayclassic.com.au.