Anne's story

It is a phone call Anne will never forget; her 16-year-old daughter Juliana had been diagnosed with cancer. The news had a devastating impact on the close knit family of four, both emotionally and financially. Read more.

“Our life literally came to a stand still”, recalls Anne. “We were all in shock and nothing could prepare us for the impact of cancer, not only during treatment but also afterwards.

“I had to give up work to care for Juliana’s whilst my husband Malcolm had to work long hours to keep us afloat. My other daughter Stephanie was studying overseas so it was difficult for her to cope with the uncertainty of her sister’s cancer.”

Juliana finished treatment but the cancer returned during her HSC. Redkite’s Music Therapy helped Juliana cope with pain management as she underwent chemotherapy, intense radiation and a stem cell transplant.

She is now in remission but the affects of cancer on the family aren’t over. Anne in particular found returning to the community after treatment difficult as she felt very isolated and anxious.

“I was out of step with the world and I didn’t know where to go for help,” reveals Anne.

This is where Redkite’s community based support services such as telephone and email counselling has helped.

“I took part in an eight-week Telegroup Program facilitated by Redkite’s professionally trained staff,” says Anne. “It was such a relief to share and normalise my worries over the phone with other parents going through a similar experience.”

Juliana is now studying at university and Redkite has provided a scholarship to help her with her studies.

“Getting over cancer is more than just chemotherapy,” says Anne. It requires a great deal of knowledge and support.”