Letchemi’s sharing her story in the hope that you’ll help others.
We’re all in the same storm, all trying to get to the same port.”
That’s how Letchemi saw her journey through two cancer diagnoses, that came just 18 months apart.
In 2009 Letchemi received her first cancer diagnosis—breast cancer—and later she faced a second diagnosis of stomach cancer.
The two separate diagnoses turned Letchemi and her husband Swee-Poh’s lives upside down as she needed to travel hundreds of kilometres away from home for life saving treatment.
Recently, cancer impacted the couple a third time, with Swee-Poh also receiving his own prostate cancer diagnosis.
Away from family, friends and the comforts of home and community, Cancer Council’s Lodges provided Letchemi and her husband with a safe haven during treatment.
Based in regional South Australia, I know just how important the lodges are,”
she says.
“They truly are a home away from home, a place of comfort—we’re all going through the same experience together.
I like to say we’re all in the same storm, all trying to get to the same port.”
Letchemi stayed at the Lodges for the treatment of both cancers, which included five weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment after an invasive operation to remove a large part of her stomach.
She says it was a huge relief not having to worry about accommodation on top of everything else that she was going through.
This is why keeping Cancer Council’s supportive accommodation and services running for rural and regional Australians impacted by cancer is so important.
Often, rural Australians impacted by cancer who need radiotherapy, high-level chemotherapy or specialised surgical procedures are forced to travel to the city.
Once they’re there, treatment programs can last for weeks or even months.
But, thanks to generous Australians, our supportive accommodation helps make life a little easier for those travelling for life saving cancer treatment.
After the support she received from Cancer Council, Letchemi decided to give back by becoming a Cancer Council Ambassador.
“I’m proud to still be an Ambassador to this day, sharing my story and experience to help others,” she says.
My message to anyone going through cancer is that you’re not alone...
Reach out if you need it, there are people there to help you every step of the way.” This Daffodil Day, you can give back, just like Letchemi.
You can give more than hope to people impacted by cancer when you donate to The Daffodil Day Appeal, you can help fund vital cancer research that is saving lives like Letchemi’s every day.
