Vanessa’s story

I am so grateful for everything Bowel Cancer Australia has done for me over the past two-and-a-bit years.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in October 2022. Like everyone diagnosed with cancer, I was shocked. None of the known risk factors for developing this type of cancer rang true for me, so it just felt so unfair.

Early on I joined Bowel Cancer Australia’s patient Facebook page, cheekily called The Movement. Through this page and the monthly online catch ups, I connected with lots of other people in the same situation as me – young, fit, seemingly healthy, with young families and responsible jobs – who had also had their lives upended by this cruel disease.

These connections have been so important from not only a practical perspective, as we share tips and experiences, but also from an emotional perspective.
Everyone is so kind and supportive and it really has made a profoundly positive impact on my experience as a cancer patient.

Thank you, Bowel Cancer Australia and all the lovely people who got to join the club, that no one wants to join.