John’s Story

Our family of four was shattered with the news of Cindy’s diagnosis late July 2005.

It was an unimaginable time in our lives but together we moved forward on this unknown roller-coaster journey.  My inspiration was Cindy…her great strength, determination, patience, love, courage, faith and eternal hope…it was remarkable.

Cindy was captivating with an incredible love and determination to embrace life which inspired those around her.  She was a lady in the true sense of the word with an extremely wicked sense of humour.

Cindy was an amazingly positive and strong woman.  Even during her darkest hours when she was dealing with her own grave personal life and death issues, Cindy managed to help other women through their journey with breast cancer.  She shared information about medical treatment, was continually supportive and always had time to listen and laugh.

In the 19 years we were together, we cherished every single day like it was our last.  We shared a magic bond that a lot of people could only dream of.  We communicated well, we were always open and honest with each other.  We were each other’s best friend and closest confidante. For this I will always be grateful.

From day one of Cindy’s diagnosis I was fortunate in that I could take continual paid leave from my employer.  We were also fortunate in that we had private health and insurance cover. Despite the battle Cindy was facing we did consider ourselves blessed because I was home to support her 24/7 and to give our beautiful daughters my undivided attention as a full-time home Dad. This was a luxury that most other Dads do not have.  It also gave Cindy every opportunity to focus on herself…to keep strong mentally and physically…and to give herself every chance of winning this battle.

Cindy fought her illness with incredible courage and dignity which gained her much respect.  I recall a discussion with nursing staff in Cindy’s last few weeks of how she had inspired them with her outlook to life and death.

From the outset of Cindy’s diagnosis, we were always open and honest with our girls.  We answered difficult and confronting questions but we also had lots of positive thoughts to give each other strength.  I truly believe this has helped Gemma and Hannah with their grieving.  Whilst they miss their mother dearly, they were inspired by Cindy’s great strength, determination and courage. This has given us the strength to move forward and to help with our healing.  I urge any Dad travelling a similar journey to ours to embrace your children with complete and total honesty. Whilst difficult at the time, it is the only way forward.

We were continually overwhelmed by the community support Cindy and our family received throughout her illness. During Cindy’s months of treatment she expressed a desire when she returned to full health to give back to the community that so generously supported her and our family.  Sadly her recovery was not to be.

The creation of the Foundation honours Cindy’s memory and her desire to give back to the community that so warmly and lovingly supported her.  It also reflects her strong community spirit and the care she always had for those around her.

My journey has been an emotional, spiritual and personal challenge but I move forward each day with small steps and a positive outlook.  Establishing the Foundation is positive because I know we can help families on the Sunshine Coast living with breast cancer and this will make a difference.

I encourage you to support this Foundation so that the Foundation can support other families in this region less fortunate than us.

Cindy's Story