Izabelle’s story in memory of her mum

My mum was 47 when she was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 after pushing for answers for a year on symptoms she was having.

After having chemo for a couple months and then surgery, in 2023 she was told she was cancer free.

Six or so months later in 2024 we got the devastating news that the cancer was back and that it was terminal and that she’d have roughly 2-5 years.

Her and my family’s life changed from that day. We had a family friend set up a fundraiser to pay for anything she might need and to fulfil her bucket list. After another check-up a few months later, she was then told she had about 12 months.

Fast forward to June of 2025, mum took a quick turn. After not being able to keep anything down for two days, and what we thought would’ve just been a quick fix and back home like usual, she was sent straight into palliative care.

From being at the rugby five days prior to now having fluid in her lungs and around her heart, we now only had hours to days with her.

On the 19th of June 2025, at 50 years old, my mum passed with family at her bedside. My mum showed how tough and strong she was more than ever in her final days.

It’s been a hard 4 weeks, but we will always continue to keep mum alive through stories and laughter.

My one piece of advice:

Get checked!! If you have any small feeling, push for answers. The earlier the better. No one is too young for bowel cancer.