The Power to Rise Above

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When 's book There Must Be More: Finding Purpose in the Face of the Unimaginable was released, bowel cancer wasn't even on my radar. Little did I know then that a stage 4 metastasised colorectal cancer diagnosis in our family would totally knock us off our axis and lead to us, too, becoming fierce advocates for getting your bowel scan kit popped into the post.

Kellie's book is a phenomenal resource for anyone coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis and trying to find their way through. 'Be the silver lining.'

There's a photo in the middle of the book of Kellie at the 2024 morning tea where they announced that their care program was expanding to all cancers. Midway through my husband's treatment he was hospitalised for two weeks due to a traumatising chemo toxicity complication that we weren't sure he'd survive. It was then, during the worst moment of our lives to date, that a GI McGrath Foundation Cancer Care nurse walked into our lives. Her advocacy changed everything. McGrath nurses are truly earth angels. That they have been able to expand to all cancers in regional areas as well as cities is life changing for thousands of families dealing with cancer. No matter where you are in Australia, ask your treatment providers if a McGrath nurse is available.

Kellie is also an ambassador for the , again, doing phenomenal work.

'Cancer is s**t. It's the worst.
I didn't want it and
I certainly didn't choose it,
but I do try to make the best of the cards
I've been dealt.
I try to find the silver linings.
F**k, I try to
be the silver lining.'
-Kellie Finlayson, There Must Be More

Get your kit. Do the bowel scan. It might just save your life. And, of course, if you or someone you love has been diagnosed and you're grappling with the enormity of it all, read Kellie's book.

You are not alone.