Onslow resident and mother of three, Renee Elliot, has become the face of a new appeal urging the community to support Cancer Council WA's accommodation Lodges, following her shock breast cancer diagnosis in March 2023.
The fit and healthy 48-year-old said the diagnosis was a devasting shock.
"Early last year, I went to my GP with concerns about some unusual lumps in my left breast," Ms Elliot said.
"With my healthy, active lifestyle and regular breast screenings, I didn't expect anything serious, and my GP reassured me that they were harmless, hormonal lumps and nothing to be worried about.
"But after further testing, including biopsies on my right breast, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and told I needed to undergo an immediate double mastectomy."
Renee said from the moment she was diagnosed to booking flights to Perth for her initial surgery, everything happened so quickly.
"I felt so overwhelmed, unsure of where to begin or what to do next," she said.
"It was a confusing and uncertain time but discovering that accommodation was available at Crawford Lodge in Nedlands provided me and my family with much-needed relief.
Without Crawford Lodge, it wouldn't be financially feasible to have the treatment, because sometimes you have to be in Perth for a prolonged period of time.
"I am so proud to be the face of this year's Christmas appeal and encourage the WA community to get behind this campaign to support this vital service for those in the regions."
Cancer Council WA Supportive Care Director, Melanie Marsh, said she was pleased Renee and her family had benefited from their experience at Cancer Council WA's Lodges, and that they felt supported and reassured throughout Renee's treatment.
"It's wonderful to hear how our services are helping regional cancer patients like Renee and making a real difference in their lives by addressing and alleviating concerns such as accommodation and financial stress that occurs so often during a cancer diagnosis," Ms Marsh said.
"This year we have had almost 5,000 check-ins to the Lodges by regional cancer patients and their carers.
"By supporting our Christmas Appeal, you can ensure cancer patients and survivors, like Renee, have vital support when they need it most."
To donate visit the Christmas Appeal .
