After living an average Aussie life playing sport, spending languid days on the beach, and falling in love with ocean swimming, Anne Gately was diagnosed with a melanoma in 2010. The melanoma was removed and test results confirmed the cancer had not spread.
Then, in 2018, after experiencing pain in her shoulder, she had a bone scan and discovered she had Stage IV melanoma. Gately was given, at best, two years to live, and soon after the devastating diagnosis began an immunotherapy course.
Ms Gately said that just over three months later, she learned the treatment had worked.
"I was one of the lucky ones. I was told I had no active cancer," she said.
"In my book Sunburnt, I describe the emotions and challenges of my life-saving immunotherapy treatment, and how I came through to the other side."
In navigating her experience of melanoma, Ms Gately explained that not only had she survived, but is now issuing a clarion call for a change to the bronzed Aussie culture.
"In Sunburnt, I combine a nostalgic view of a charmed Aussie childhood, a jolting review of Australia's sun-worshipping norms, and enough scientific research to encourage us all to redefine our relationship with the sun."
Thanks to the Friends of the Wagga Wagga City Library, local residents can soon hear from Anne herself about her cancer journey at an upcoming author talk at the Wagga Wagga City Library, where she will discuss her diagnosis, recovery and becoming a sun-safety advocate.
When & where
When: 6pm – 7pm, Tuesday 4 March.
Where: Children's Area, Wagga Wagga City Library.
Cost: Free and bookings are required. Light refreshments will be also provided.
