GEMMA Theophile’s long blonde locks were part of her “look”.
But 10 months on from her breast cancer diagnosis and she’s given up the wig and proudly wearing her short hair out in public.
“I’m not going to hide under the wig anymore, the breast cancer journey is part of my life now and there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Ms Theophile said.
She and her husband Gilles have proudly decided to support the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s MacDonnells Law Arrow Experience by sharing their story.
The event on June 20 is fundraising for breast cancer diagnostic equipment to help speed up the testing process.
“That time of testing and not knowing what the outcome was going to be, was a very anxious one for all of us so anything that can be done to speed up the process would certainly help patients and their families,” Mrs Theophile said.
The Foundation is planning to buy a second tomo machine for Breast Screen Cairns, at a cost of $80, 000 to help speed up the diagnostic process. Already more than $20, 000 has been raised towards the goal.
Mrs Theophile – wife, daughter and mother of three sons – said she had only one family member she knew of who had been diagnosed with breast cancer – her grandmother at the age of 85.
“It just shows that it doesn’t matter how fit and healthy you are, cancer doesn’t discriminate. One in eight women will be diagnosed with it and I guess I’m that one,” she said.
She has endured a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and has now started five to 10 years of hormone blockers to put her into early menopause.
“We’re happy to support this event because breast cancer is so prevalent in our community and if telling my story helps motivate people to make a difference, then it’s worth it,” she said.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said it was unfortunate that there were so many stories like Mrs Theophile but the event would make a difference in the diagnostic time frame.
“The Foundation is about making a difference in patient outcomes and if we can help reduce the anxiety by making the testing process a bit quicker, then it’s worthwhile,” Mr Williamson said.
He encouraged everyone to participate in the walk of the two or four arrows of Mt Whitfield on June 20 or donate what they could to make a difference.
Photo: Gemma and Gilles Theophile are happy to see the last of the wig.
