A Bright Outlook After a Dark Storm

Beverley Brown knows what it’s like to receive life-changing news; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007 just before her 70th birthday.

Despite having regular mammogram checks, Beverley felt a lump in her breast one night when she was reading, and she had a strong gut feeling the lump was cancerous.

“I wasn’t shocked when I received the diagnosis, the lump was quite big. I wasn’t in a panic; I just kept thinking to myself I’m grateful to have lived a full and joyful life with my family, because many others are not so fortunate,” Beverley said.

Initially Beverley underwent a lumpectomy, but the cancer had already began spreading so she got a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“I wasn’t the first person in my family to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. My cousin and her daughter interstate also had breast cancer and thankfully both survived; the doctors believe it runs in the family,” Beverley said.

Fortunately, Beverley received the all clear, but continues to have regular checks as do her three daughters, given the strong history of breast cancer.

Beverley believes medical advancements saved her life which is why she has been a loyal donor to The Hospital Research Foundation Group for many years, which supports Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR).

“I have been supporting THRF Group since it was The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research Foundation. I became affiliated with the charity through Dr Basil Hetzel, as his wife and I were Board members of the Friends of the Australian Ballet, and we became great friends,” Beverley said.

Beverley, now 83, is grateful that medical research extended her life so she can still be here for her family, especially her loving husband, Roger, who has Alzheimer’s and is now living in a nursing home.

“I am able to visit Roger every day. I also regularly travel as two daughters and my grandchildren live interstate – and I’ve recently learnt how to FaceTime with my grandson who lives in the United States!”

Thanks to medical research extending Beverley’s life, she has been cancer free for 14 years and is living a fulfilled life surrounded by loved ones.

Your donation to ABCR will enable us to fund lifesaving research to enable people like Beverley to continue making precious memories with the people they love. Simply fill out the enclosed coupon or contact us on (08) 8445 2453 or [email protected] to find out more.