Breast Cancer Survivors On A Mission To Improve Detection

Michele Cox, Kim Fox and Chris Pollard, alongside absent fellow foundation member Joyce Savage, are raising awareness and funds for a Hologic Faxitron Trident HD Specimen Radiography System at Mackay Base Hospital. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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By Hannah McNamara

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Four women whose lives have been changed by breast cancer are now determined to change the lives of others, turning their own battles into a powerful mission for improved local care. United by their experiences, Michele Cox, Chris Pollard, Kim Foxand Joyce Savage are leading a $150,000 fundraising campaign to bring specialised breast cancer imaging technology to Mackay Base Hospital. Alongside raising vital funds, their initiative is building a community of strength, support and sisterhood, celebrating survivors and ensuring no woman faces the journey alone.

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Four Women, Four Breast Cancer Diagnoses, One Shared Mission

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Four women have unexpectedly crossed paths in life, turning a disheartening experience into one of courage, strength and sisterhood.

Michele Cox, Chris Pollard, Kim Fox and Joyce Savage are the four foundation members behind a local initiative raising awareness and funds for a Hologic Faxitron Trident HD Specimen Radiography System, a specialised breast cancer imaging machine for Mackay Base Hospital.

The independent, not-for-profit group aims to raise $150,000 to purchase equipment allowing surgeons to examine tissue removed during breast cancer surgery while patients are still in theatre. Currently, samples are sent away for testing, with patients potentially waiting up to two weeks for results.

The group has also produced a calendar featuring local breast cancer survivors, celebrating their individual journeys through photography.

Chris's aggressive cancer was detected through a routine two-yearly mammogram, with the tumour having grown to around five centimetres. Her treatment included 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiation and two breast surgeries.

Kim's diagnosis followed further testing after an unrelated doctor's appointment. Although her mammogram was clear, an ultrasound identified an abnormality.

After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Kim said without paying for the additional ultrasound, she would have been “a walking time-bomb”.

“That extra scan saved my life.”

Michele was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form, after attending a mammogram and ultrasound. Her treatment involved chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

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Reflecting on the difficult days, Michele said her perspective was shaped by the people she loved.

“I’m not a person to cry… but I cried.”

“You have good days, and you have bad days… you also certainly go through the ‘why me?’ moments… but I’m grateful to be here, and I'd rather it be me than my daughter or my granddaughter,” she said.

Joyce, who could not attend the interview as she was undergoing treatment, is living with Stage 4 cancer and has been fighting the disease for several years. Her journey has included a double mastectomy, lymph node removal and numerous rounds of treatment.

Beyond fundraising, the initiative has grown into a support network for survivors, with the group acknowledging it would not be possible without local women who have survived breast cancer or are navigating their own treatment journeys.

Calendar photoshoots have included motorcycle rides, jet skis and boats, showcasing both the women and the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region.

Chris said watching women grow in confidence had become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“They come around the first time, and they're all quite shy, and then they realise that, hey, there's no judgement here. It's all inclusive and they just flourish.”

The group has received a $5000 donation from Bowen Gun Club, alongside support from local businesses.

Elegance Lymphatic Care at Marian has come on board as the Diamond Sponsor, recognising the importance of supporting the cause after regularly seeing women experiencing lymphoedema following lymph node removal.

With the calendar hoped to become an annual project, the women are determined to continue raising funds and ensuring survivors know they don't have to walk their journey alone.

For more information on the calendar or sponsorship opportunities, contact BreastBuddiesMackay@hotmail.com.