For many women, being diagnosed with breast cancer can make them feel incredibly alone. Hearing the words, ‘you have breast cancer’ can feel like a full-frontal assault.
Just under three years ago on 25 August, Betty Curtis heard this life-changing sentence. But far from feeling alone, she was astounded by the support received from family, friends, work colleagues and the community.
“Words really cannot describe how overwhelmed I was by the outpouring of love and support (…),” she said. “This support helped me remain positive and I never felt alone.”
“On the day of my diagnosis, the clinic nurse looking after me from ACT Breast Cancer Clinic provided encouraging words when I was leaving saying “we’ll see you back running the 5km at the Mother’s Day Classic before you know it,” she said.
Betty credits her survival with early detection through a routine screening mammogram. She has been heavily involved with fundraising events for cancer research since the breast cancer diagnosis and passing of her close aunty in 1983. “We all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “The Mother’s Day Classic is important to me as it raises valuable funds that contribute to research and improvements in early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”
Betty speaks highly of the Mother’s Day Classic and the ways in which it supported her through her breast cancer journey. “The Mother’s Day Classic is a yearly tradition,” she said. “Throughout my journey to being cancer free and having a successful double breast reconstruction there were many areas where funds from MDC contributed to my positive outcome.”
For those that are considering participating in the Mother’s Day Classic this year, Betty shares words of encouragement. “Besides raising money for a worthy cause, it is a great event to get family and friends together for a fun morning walk or run around Canberra’s beautiful Lake Burley Griffin,” she said. “And you know you are helping with prevention, early detection and effective treatment for breast cancer.”
