Living with a RARE Cancer One Day at a Time – Part 2

Ricardina

8 years ago

Your family will struggle enough when you are gone; don’t make it a financial stress for them too. Have you thought about reviewing your insurance, making a will and reviewing your priorities? My guest has some suggestions she wants to share with you based on her own experience.

In my previous post – When You’re Diagnosed with a RARE Cancer – Part 1, my guest shared her personal story and why she decided to make a difference founding “Without a Ribbon Inc”. Today, she tells you about the charity activities she has organised in the last 4 years and also shares important aspects to be considered in particular if you are in a similar situation.

GUEST BLOGGER: Desiree Fraser – Founder of WITHOUT A RIBBON, a rare cancer CHARITY.

In 2014, the charity I founded had received the national recognition from the Government. Our charity “Without a Ribbon Inc” now had DGR status. Our journey to support and connect Rare Cancer Warriors was about to begin. Below are listed the initiatives developed since its inception.

Figure 1 – “WITHOUT A RIBBON” events and initiatives

My purpose evolved out of something very dramatic. It doesn’t have to be that hard for you. For everyone reading this, I am going to give you some recommendations that can make a huge difference.

“Living with Cancer” Life Considerations

1. Insurance

Promise me that this week you will look at your insurance policies. If you have no idea, make an appointment to see someone who can help. Doing this will ensure that if you are faced with something unforeseen, you will have made a difference to the options you have for treatment, and more importantly a difference to your family.

You need to review your insurance policies. You need Income Protection, not negotiable. Trauma Insurance is also probably worth it too. You need Private Health Insurance, because sometimes waiting lists in the public system do not assist you in your cancer journey. Sometimes you just can’t afford to wait. A Financial Planner will guide you.

And you also need Life Insurance. Your family will struggle enough when you are gone; don’t make it a financial struggle for them too.

2. Be Mindful

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be KIND. ALWAYS!

Think how I felt when the doctor told me, with no sympathy, that I have to get used to the fact that I will probably die from this cancer at any time.
How you deal with people matters! Be mindful with the words you use. Please be considerate with the people you come across, they might be going through a battle and your empathy can make a huge difference.

3. Will

You need a Will. The fact is, you might never have to suffer through a journey like mine (I truly hope so), but no matter when your time comes, you shouldn’t leave a mess for your family to clean up.

4. Your Purpose

Find your purpose. You don’t have to wait until something dramatic happens to you before you find it. You start by making little differences in the lives of those around you. I promise you, that it will make a BIG difference.

YOU need to be prepared for all the things you thought would never be part of your life journey.

Who Am I Now?

Still a single mum of three and a small business owner. I started a deoderising, moisturesing and all natural treatment oils for dogs. I am a dog lover!

45yr old who can no longer run because of my hip. I can no longer drink red wine because it plays havoc with my tummy. I still love hanging out with my friends though.

And I am so excited about each day! I do my best to make a difference each day. Whether it’s actually asking someone “How are you?” and meaning it! Finding a new way to provide support to others through our charity. Or sometimes just being there to help my kids through their life journey. All you need to do is to ensure that each day you wake knowing that you need to make a difference.

I encourage you start to write the sequel to this journey. Let’s make the sequel your ultimate goal. A sequel full of inspiration and love written by YOU. Let’s hope that you are the author of this sequel. And we can then name it “Another Person’s Life”.

“WITHOUT A RIBBON”
2017 Gala Dinner
raises funds to support people
who are
fighting rare cancer

We would love you to join us at our 4th Awareness Dinner in Melbourne March 25th.

Money raised through fundraising enables the organisation to provide rare cancer sufferers, those not supported by any other organisation, with INFORMATION, MATERIAL and SUPPORT relevant to their specific cancer. Without a Ribbon Inc organises various events and initiatives to raise awareness and funds, but you can also support this cause in different ways: DONATE | SPONSORSHIP | VOLUNTEER | SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES.

About Desiree

Desiree is the founder of “Without a Ribbon”, a rare cancer charity established in 2014 to assist those who are so small in numbers that they are not allocated a Ribbon through existing Cancer Groups in Australia.

After completing more than 25 operations/procedures and 52 treatments, Desiree’s passion to help others became her main focus. Her loneliness and isolation through since her own diagnose was so overwhelming at a time where support is critical, that she decided to ensure, no one else would ever have to endure the same experience.