Community Fund helping local through breast cancer battle

February 2, 2020

It would be rare to find someone who hasn’t been affected by cancer whether personally or through someone they know. Warialda local, Kolah McClymont, was diagnosed with breast cancer back in November 2019 which was a complete shock to her family and the wider community because she is only 26.

She was diagnosed with Stage 2A, Grade 3, Triple Negative breast cancer, which is a cancer that is negative to oestrogen, progesterone and HER2, meaning that the cancer is not fueled by hormones.   “Only 10-20% of breast cancers are this type and it tends to be more common in young women and more aggressive,” explains Kolah McClymont to the Gwydir News.

Kolah McClymont with partner, Guy Mepham

Kolah McClymont with partner, Guy Mepham

Kolah made the brave decision to have a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction in early December and now faces a long round of chemotherapy. “I am 8 weeks post op this Thursday; my surgery went extremely well and I am very lucky to have the amazing surgeon that I did,” said Kolah.

“It won’t be long before I start my chemotherapy and it will be 16 rounds over 20 weeks and as overwhelming as it is, I am eager to start the next step to ensure this disease is well and truly out of my body.”

Consequently, her diagnosis inspired her family to hold a Garden Party/Pamper Day to raise awareness and to provide support for others who require medical assistance. “We want to provide an enjoyable, pamper-filled and relaxing day,” said one of the organiser’s and stepmother to Kolah, Michelle Mead.

“Money raised by the Garden Party/Pamper Day Committee will be donated to the Community Fund in Warialda that provides assistance for patients when traveling for medical treatment and to Breast Care in Inverell.”

The McClymont family weren’t even aware of the Fund or the Inverell Breast Cancer group until Warialda community member, Mr Moxey, approached the family offering help. “The money that I was lucky to enough to receive has been a huge help and took a little pressure off the financial costs of petrol, accommodation and doctors appointments while traveling to and from Newcastle over the last 3 months,” explained Kolah.

“Groups like the Inverell Breast Cancer Group in our small communities are just amazing and aren’t spoken about enough. Not only does the assistance that they offer help out with the financial stresses of everyday life, but knowing you have the love and support of these people behind you is very humbling. I will be forever grateful to them for their help in my time of need so I am very pleased that all the money raised from the garden party will be donated back to these groups allowing them to help others in their times of need.”

The event will be held at “Hollymount”, 1923 Allan Cunningham Road, Warialda Rail on 14th March 2020 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. There will be various stalls including masseuse, facials, hairstyles, makeup, nails and a range of other products as well as music and nibblies with all proceeds going towards the Community Fund and Inverell Breast Cancer Group.

“There will also be a monster raffle and lucky door prizes,” said Michelle. “We are seeking the assistance of local businesses to provide grazing platters, beverages (wine, beer or soft drinks) and prizes for the raffles; we fully understand that many communities are doing it tough at the moment but would greatly appreciate any assistance.” S

tall sites are $10 and if you wish to get involved or have a stall, please contact Michelle Mead on 0428 302 204 or Bec King on 0409 903 884.

“Check your boobs, know what to look for and take note of changes because cancer doesn’t discriminate; it doesn’t care if you’re male, female, young, old or what race you are,” said Kolah. “It isn’t always as simple as a lump so know your body and trust your gut and push for second opinions if something doesn’t seem right.

“I am extremely lucky that Dr Di and Dr Lizzie trusted their gut and got me a second opinion after my 2nd scan come back as “unchanged” from my first one 3 months prior.”