Margie Ely was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November 2022. As a mother of three working two jobs, this diagnosis was challenging for her, but it has also inspired her to put herself out there to raise awareness for breast cancer.
In 2023, Margie started modelling and competing at pageant shows in her spare time. In early 2024, she was the First Runner Up for Ms. Australia Legacy International. Nowadays, she is laser focused on using her platform to inspire confidence and uplift the voices of other breast cancer survivors.
Margie's treatment story
After Margie's breast cancer diagnosis, she was told she would need two surgeries - a mastectomy and a reconstruction. Unfortunately, it was too expensive for Margie to receive these surgeries in Australia, so she had them done in Penang, Malaysia in July 2023.
After that, Margie returned to Sydney for hormone treatment. Her medical team advised her that there is a 50% chance of the treatment working for her because she has a mix of Her2 and hormonal breast cancer.
Margie is currently in France receiving further treatment.
Using her platform for good
Margie started her career as a model in 2023 and since then, has made it her mission to use her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Margie says, "I don't want to just be a stereotypical model - I don't want to show myself for no reason. I want to have something that grows out of me, to leave a legacy."
Margie is very vocal about her breast cancer diagnosis on her Instagram feed and during Ms. Australian Legacy International. She has also received the Young Achievers award at the SIMBA Gala Awards 2024. She hopes that being open about her experiences with cancer will inspire other people living with cancer to continue living their lives to the fullest.
"I want to prove for myself. I want to show myself and others what you can achieve, even after you've reached the lowest point in your life".
Receiving support from Cancer Council
Margie mentions how she called Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support line and received guidance on how to navigate the financial impacts of cancer.
For example, after her diagnosis, Margie had to take a lot of personal leave. Because of this, Margie was demoted from her position as supervisor because the company claimed she was unable to do her work.
Cancer Council was able to connect Margie to pro bono legal and financial counselling.
"The assistance I received has made a significant impact on my life", Margie says. "When I spoke with Cancer Council, they connected me to the advice I needed. They helped me prepare all the official documents I needed and helped me navigate the medical bills to reach out to my bank to talk about my mortgage".
What's next for Margie?
Looking ahead, Margie Margie plans on continuing her advocacy for breast cancer awareness by taking part in more pageant shows and sharing her story. She also hopes to work with more photographers and feature in more magazines to build her profile.
It's clear when you speak to Margie that she's determined to make a difference for good. As she's written on her Instagram, "I've faced my fair share of challenges. But through it all, I've emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. Now, I'm showcasing my strength and confidence in every shot".
