Karen Wilson is this year's Relay for Life Ambassador

At 55, Ms Wilson decided to take a mammogram. When she received her results she was shocked to find that she had breast cancer.

During her extensive treatment she discovered she also had non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. This was followed by stem cell harvesting and a final stem cell transplant early last year. 

When asked to describe her journey and experiences, the up beat Curves employee simply said that she did not feel that the treatments got in the way of what she wanted to do in life.

The 2017 Relay For Life ambassador cited her personal focus on her physical health, through her regular gym work outs, but also attention to her mental and spiritual health. 

“I made a really good recovery. I was told it would take three to six months, but I was back at work after six weeks feeling almost back to normal,” she said. 

“Keeping healthy and fit, and using my Curves work out and Curves nutrition knowledge helped me keep fit and strong. I had faith and trust everything would work out. I kept getting on with life and did not let my diagnosis get in the way.” 

Currently working in the gym and coaching gym goers and clients, she praised the medical staff at the Goulburn Base Hospital and the Oncology Unit in Bourke Street.

“It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get together people who have experienced  all the different aspect of the cancer journey,” she said in the lead up to this weekend’s Relay For Life.

“There is always so much development and treatment, that’s what we have to work towards. The number one reason is to support the Cancer Council in research and Relay has a role in that.”

Relay For Life will be at the Carr Confoy this weekend.