Battling cancer is an incredibly tough journey, but some stories remind us of just how terrifying the storms we never see coming can truly be.
On page 5, you can read about Teharnee Peel, a Mackay mum diagnosed with cervical cancer while five months pregnant. Teharnee discovered a 6.5cm cancerous mass in her cervix at 22 weeks pregnant with her son, Harry. Determined to do everything possible to protect her unborn child, she began a specialised course of chemotherapy designed to be safe for pregnancy.
Her strength was tested in unimaginable ways, from enduring chemotherapy while pregnant to undergoing further treatment just four weeks after Harry’s birth at 32 weeks. Holding her baby boy for the first time was a surreal and emotional moment. Harry, born weighing just 2.3kg, spent weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit while Teharnee faced gruelling physical and mental challenges. She describes those early months with her newborn as a "whole new level of fatigue"—a testament to the resilience of this mother-son duo.
Through my own cancer journey, I met another mother whose late-term scan revealed her unborn baby had cancer. While preparing to welcome her child into the world, she had to grapple with the devastating reality that her baby would require chemotherapy just weeks after birth.
These stories highlight a unique kind of fear and courage that few can imagine.
By the time you read this, I’ll have completed chemotherapy treatment number eight. I promise to share a full update in next week’s newspaper.
Like Teharnee, I’ve found a new purpose in giving back, advocating for body awareness and earlier detection of cancer. Supporting others through the Trudy Crowley Foundation has been deeply meaningful. This weekend, I’ll be at Harrup Park for the Trudy Crowley Round, where Mackay Cricket Association’s Junior, Senior, and Ladies games will unite to support this incredible organisation. Teams will proudly wear zinc in solidarity with the foundation’s efforts to help those impacted by cancer in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
If you can, come along to Harrup Park on Saturday afternoon and meet the ‘Survivors XI’ to show your support.
Amanda
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