Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Jenny’s Story of Courage and Community Support
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for education, support, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. At PEP Transport, we believe in the power of community and support. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to highlight the inspiring stories of those who have faced this challenge head-on. One such story comes from Jenny, a valued member of our PEP Transport family. Jenny’s journey through breast cancer is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of support.
In May 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenny received her diagnosis over the phone. The news left her in shock, struggling to comprehend how this could happen to her. “I was emotional and in disbelief,” she recalls. However, Jenny’s strength quickly emerged. She made a powerful decision: “I was not going to let this beat me.”
With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues at PEP Transport, Jenny found the courage to face the battle ahead. “I love life and my family,” she reflects. “I wasn’t ready to leave this world, and I refused to let cancer take away my joy.”
On June 12, 2020, Jenny underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The journey was anything but easy. Along with the sickness and pain throughout the first half of the chemotherapy and the emotional toll from losing her hair, she also had an infection during radiation which required additional surgery and a machine to aid her recovery. “It was an emotional roller coaster, and I felt very vulnerable,” she reflects. Despite the pain she had to face, throughout 30 gruelling sessions of radiation, her amazing husband and son stood by her side, providing the love and support she needed.
For Jenny, Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds profound significance. “Experiencing it firsthand has shown me that until you go through something like this, you can’t fully understand its impact,” she explains. She emphasises the importance of raising awareness and funds for research, believing that every effort can contribute to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
To those currently fighting breast cancer, Jenny has a powerful message: “You are stronger than you think. If you fight and survive, you can achieve anything. Life is precious—live it to the fullest, cherish the little things, and hold onto the memories you create.” Jenny’s story reminds us all of the strength within each of us and the importance of community.
This month, we encourage our team and community to engage in conversations about early detection. Thank you to Jenny for sharing this story.
To find out more about breast cancer awareness and to donate, please visit the Breast Cancer Network Australia.