At the tender age of 34, Mayfield East’s Kathryn Simms made the brave decision to undergo a double mastectomy.
Three years earlier doctors had confirmed she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, which put her at significantly higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
She already had an inkling, given her aunty had had two types of breast cancer and her great grandmother died of ovarian cancer.
“I chose to take hold of my risk… so I could be here for my daughter,” Kathryn told Newcastle Weekly.
But it wasn’t that simple. Kathryn opted for a prophylactic mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction, but post-op complications meant one of the implants had to be removed, leaving her with only one reconstructed breast.
Fast-forward to 2019, Kathryn is planning a fundraiser for Pink Hope – a preventative health hub that provides information, guidance and emotional support to women at risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and empowers the community to assess, understand and reduce their risk.
“When I came across Pink Hope, I realised I’m not just this problem – there are other people out there like me,” she added.
“Pink Hope supported me by connecting me with other women in similar circumstances and allowed me to feel a sense of camaraderie.”
The Bold BRCA Brunch will be held from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Sunday 29 September at the Newcastle Food and Flower Markets at Sandgate.
Tickets are $90 each via eventbrite.com.au and include brunch, bubbles, live entertainment, goodie bags and more.
Kathryn is calling on local businesses to support the fundraiser by donating prizes or vouchers to give away on the day.
To get in touch, email k.simms2010@hotmail.com
– By: Georgina Osland
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