Spotlight on breast cancer survivors

Since being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2016, Nicole Kruse of Tascott has been relentless in her determination to raise funds for research into the deadly disease.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said it was important during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to hear inspirational stories of those who have faced the disease.

Two years after her diagnosis, Kruse was free of cancer and completed her first 100km marathon on the Sunshine Coast – the Blackall 100.

She completed the run again in 2019.

Due to COVID Kruse did her own 100km run through the suburbs of the Central Coast in 2020 and 2021 but last year she was back at the Blackall, and again this year, for her sixth “celebration of life”.

“Before the cancer diagnosis, I tried to run 100km at the Blackall 100, but I couldn’t finish the first couple of times,” she said.

“During the cancer treatment, the chemo drug was very aggressive, so even if I tried, I couldn’t really keep my fitness – a 3km run could spike my heart rate.

“After the cancer treatment, I have totally different perspectives for life.

“I want to enjoy it.

“So I looked for a running coach because I wanted to finish my goal.

“Keep being positive, don’t be shy to ask for help and most importantly, kick cancer in the butt.”

In addition to completing 100km every year – a mighty act in itself – Kruse has also been hosting a cake stall at Locomotive Station Café in Tascott every year to raise money for The Honeybee Venom Project at Harry Perkins Cancer Research Institute.

Last year, she raised $1,600 and this year, the stall was again well supported by locals on September 9 with more than $1,300 raised.

According to the Cancer Council breast cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

By the age of 85, one in eight females and one in 668 males will be diagnosed with the disease.

Tesch said Breast Cancer Awareness Month was the perfect time to shift the focus to the positivity of breast cancer survivors.

“In October, many of us have mixed emotions,” she said.

“Losing my mum to breast cancer, it’s a topic that is very close to my heart.

“Looking at the figures, it’s not a surprise that everyone seems to know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The impact of breast cancer is so devastating, yet in the face of this fact, this year I want us to shift our focus to the positivity of breast cancer survivors.

“I want to let breast cancer patients know this is not your fight alone.

“I want you to share your stories and welcome your families, your friends, your community members to join you and we will fight together.

“I want to share Nicole’s story with you to spread the positivity and let those with breast cancer and their families know there is a light even in the darkest of times.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month also serves as a reminder to get checked.

Tesch encourages women aged 50–74 to have free mammograms.

Call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram or visit www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch