THE face of Jimboomba's 2019 Relay for Life campaign lost two sisters to cancer 12 years before her own diagnosis.
Fiona Strachan has been fighting for her life since June 29, 2018, when a doctor confirmed she suffered from locally advanced breast cancer, which makes up 10 to 20 per cent of all breast cancer diagnosed in Australia.
A routine mole scan also revealed Mrs Strachan had a Clark one (in-situ) melanoma mole which has been removed..
Mrs Strachan said the shock of her diagnosis lasted for several weeks before she was forced to confront a long list of appointments, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
"Cancer had struck again in my family, I lost both my sisters within three-and-a-half weeks of each other in 2006.
"One from ovarian cancer, aged 54, and the other from melanoma, aged 58.
"There is a common belief that being positive is a good way to cope with cancer, but denying the gravity of this dreadful disease and putting on a brave face is just plain exhausting.
"You need support from family and friends."
After experiencing a double mastectomy, 25 daily radiation treatments and one year on Herceptin medication, Mrs Strachan's treatment is due to finish in December this year.
With Jimboomba's 15th Relay for Life fundraiser looming on October 12 at the Hills College Oval, Ms Strachan said she would not let fear stop her from living her life.
"I will be cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony and say a few words," she said.
"It has been a big journey in terms of how I dealt with it myself and how I see others deal with it."
Jimboomba's 31 teams and 142 Relay for Life members have raised more than $15,800 towards a $75,000 goal.
Relay for Life funds go towards supporting research, helping patients cover overdue bills, providing accommodation to patients during treatment and other initiatives.
According to Relay for Life, more than 61,000 Australian lives have been saved due to these initiatives.
There is still time to register as an early bird for the Jimboomba campaign before October 4.
Youth can register for $15, adults $30 and families $75.
On the final week of the Relay for Life campaign youth register for $20, adults $40 and families $100.
The event opens at on October 12 at 3pm and closes at 9am on October 13.
