Fear wasn’t an emotion Port Lincoln resident Tabetha Wilkes felt when she was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ, a form of breast cancer, at the beginning of 2023.
Instead, Tabetha used her positive outlook on life to face her challenge with a strong mindset.
Tabetha didn’t have the usual lump as a warning sign. It was only thanks to her regular mammogram that her breast cancer was picked up through calcification.
Soon after her diagnosis she decided to have a double mastectomy, something she would need to travel to Adelaide for.
“Living in a rural area we don’t have specialist care like the city, and I couldn’t have this procedure in Port Lincoln,” Tabetha said.
“I didn’t have a choice but to go to Adelaide for my surgery.”
As a business owner, Tabetha relies on her own income to get by, so when she doesn’t work, she doesn’t earn.
She explained she was looking at close to $2,000 for private accommodation before learning about Under Our Roof.
“I found out about Under Our Roof through my breast care nurse and thankfully I was able to stay in one of the homes at Bowden which took the financial strain away,” Tabetha said.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s Under Our Roof accommodation provides country cancer patients and their families subsidised accommodation to stay in Adelaide while receiving treatment. There are four family-style homes to help ease the burden.
“For me, leaving home was an inconvenience. My biggest challenge was being away from my circle of loved ones,” Tabetha explained.
“I’m beyond grateful for Under Our Roof – truly. The team was so helpful and supportive and answered all my questions.
“Even though it was a life-changing experience, I’ve moved forward with gratitude.”
If you would like to learn more about Under Our Roof, contact our friendly team on (08) 8244 1100 or visit HospitalResearch.org.au/UnderOurRoof
