AMBASSADORS

MEET YOUR WALK AMBASSADORS

Introducing the Walk Ambassadors of 2024, walkers who are committed to putting an end to women's cancer. With their dedicated and passionate fundraising, they are driving positive change for cancer research.

Discover why these walkers are dedicated to fighting women's cancer with their inspiring stories. 

Walk for Women's Cancer
Walk for Women's Cancer Ambassador
“I can’t fix my loved ones, but I can help fund research for women in the future. And I can make sure those with cancer feel loved and supported.”

Jackie

YOUR OFFICIAL 2024 WALK AMBASSADOR

This year will be my ninth Walk. I first joined the Walk in 2015 after my aunt survived breast cancer but each year I find a new reason to walk.

I live in the small tight-knit community of Manjimup, WA and see all too often the effects cancer has on my neighbours. We often rally around each other helping with home cooked meals and appointments to make life a little easier. But more needs to be done.

Thankfully I have never heard the words, "it's cancer".  I am lucky that the technology was there to identify abnormal cells early.  If we can improve early detection techniques and discover new breakthroughs it will lead to better health outcomes for women. That's why I'm so passionate about raising funds for the Walk so that Perkins researchers can continue their innovative work to improve the lives of women.

With my team the Southern Forest Steppers, we are are excited to meet up with old friends and connect with new Walkers. The Walk community is a very supportive group of people and we hope you will join us so that better treatements may be found so that women can live longer, happier lives. 

Walk for Women's Cancer
“I want there to be some form of medical technology that is able to detect cancer at its very early stages.”

April

I'm walking for the two most important people in my life: my mum and dad.

Nine years ago, after a 14 month battle with tongue cancer my dad passed away when I was 17. It was devastating. My mum turned to me on the day he passed and said, "it's just you and me now".

My mum was my rock and we leaned on and supported each other other as we worked through our grief. I thought the worst was over, but in 2022 my world shattered when Mum was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer.

I put my life and career on hold to care for her as she bravely underwent chemo and radiation. But her cancer was discovered too late and while we had a little more time together, she joined my dad in August 2023.

At 25 years old, I never thought I would lose both my parents to cancer.

After Mum's diagnosis, I learned just how much cancer treatment had progressed since my dad's passing. That's why I joined the New Town Walk for Women's Cancer online last year. Because while it may have been too late for my mum, I felt inspired that I could do something to progress cancer research. 

Walk for Women's Cancer
“We walk for those we have lost, those that won the fight and those that are still fighting.”

Kellie & Nikki

When we joined the Walk in 2014 we saw it as a physical challenge but we were so moved by the community and comradie that we have been back every year since along with our family and friends.

Cancer has touched all of us. Our dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and our aunty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully both of them are well today. However, our friend Kylie, a former Walk Ambassador who had battled breast cancer earlier, sadly lost her fight in 2021. This is why we continue to be involved and spread the word about cancer awareness. Getting behind a cause like the New Town Toyota Walk for Women's Cancer means that we can give researchers the best chance at finding a cure.

We walk each year with our team Blistering For A Cause and it's a real family affair with our family and friends helping to fundraise, support us and assisting with our costumes. And while it's tough we feel immense pride knowing that we are making a difference for the women in our lives.

Walk for Women's Cancer
“Apart from my own cancer, I have had close relatives who have cancer and I feel the best way to help is to raise funds for research.”

Jo

I am a cervical cancer survivor who will be walking for the eighth time this year. After a routine pap smear I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and after undergoing surgery was thankfully not required to have any further treatment.

I first joined the Walk with my sister in 2017 when it was a weekend event. The comraderie and friendliness I felt from the other Walkers had me returning and now I walk with my daughters and friends.

When I was told I had cervical cancer and would need surgery the emotional toll that it put on my family and I was huge. And while I feel grateful that I am cancer-free today, there are others who are not so fortunate. I want to change that. Being apart of the Walk and raising money for women's cancer research is the best way I can help researchers find the answers we need for better health outcomes for all women.

Walk for Women's Cancer Ambassador
“The Walk is a way to spread awareness about women's cancer and the amazing research that is happening in WA. The place we call home.”

Renjini

When ovarian cancer struck my favourite aunt it affected my family deeply. It was a terrible thing to see this strong woman become weak, lose her hair and be in pain because of cancer. Sadly, she passed away in 2014.

From seeing what she and my family went through, I wanted to know more and do more for cancer research. My husband and I ride in the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for the Perkins but I didn’t want to stop there. The Walk is another way for my girlfriends and I to come together to help. By walking I can show my support to those battling cancer, and my love and care towards them. 

Moreover, it's also a wonderful day too. We love the comradery, the moving opening ceremony and walking with others committed to finding a cure for cancer . I also look forward to receiving a rose bush at the finish line. This year I'll proudly be adding a third bush to my rose garden.

Walk for Women's Cancer Ambassador
“I possibly wouldn't still be here and cancer free without medical research.”

Karyn

On Christmas Day 2020 I felt a lump in my right breast. 

I did the right thing and went and had an ultrasound and mammogram in January. The results came back as normal, unfortunately my cancer is the type hard to detect. Thankfully, my GP sent me for review. The day after Mother’s Day, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. And it was aggressive. 

I was stunned. But then thinking about my husband and two young children and how this would affect them was so daunting. I tried to keep my spirits up as I went through losing my hair, chemo and all the horrendous side effects. It was draining on my mind and body, but I got through it and today I am happy to say I’m cancer free.

Despite those hard times, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to receive a new targeted therapy which inhibited the growth of my cancer. It’s also shown to reduce the recurrence rate by 30%!  This new drug would not have been possible without continued medical research.

It’s why I walk with my Purple Hearts teammates because breakthroughs are happening all the time. By supporting the Walk, I'm giving Perkins researchers the best chance to discover the next big breakthrough.

Do you have a story that you want to share? Get in touch via email!