Geelong mum gives back to cancer centre that helped save her

AFTER beating breast cancer, Norlane’s Kylie Blackney is spending July giving back to the team that helped save her life.

The mother of three is taking part in Dry July to raise funds for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre, where she underwent treatment after being diagnosed with triple negative invasive carcinoma in 2017.

The annual Dry July campaign sees participants go alcohol-free for a month while raising money for cancer support services.

Blackney had given birth just five months before her diagnosis and was also raising two other children under the age of 10.

Over the next 18 months, she underwent multiple surgeries and treatment before becoming cancer-free.

She credits much of her recovery to the care and support provided by the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

“You feel disconnected from society and often you’re going bald and hate the world,” Blackney said.

“The team was so great with the kids and the support we all had while going throughout treatment was absolutely next level.

“There were art programs, yoga classes, counsellors and so much more. Even now, there is still ways to help out even though you’re in remission.”

Blackney has supported the Barwon Health Foundation for the past five years, raising tens of thousands of dollars through a range of fundraising efforts.

This year, she hopes to raise $1,000 as one of Team Love’s Dry July ambassadors.

“Once I got better, it shifted to me wanting to give back after receiving this great quality of care,” she said.

“I just want to raise as much awareness and funds as I can for the cause.

“Having this level of care close to home is simply a blessing – they are there to help.”

This year’s fundraiser also carries extra meaning for Blackney, who is dedicating her Dry July campaign to her father after he recently died from cancer.

“I’m in a really good place with my health, and luckily my cancer hasn’t returned yet,” she said.

“This year it’s all about honouring dad and giving back in any way I can.

“Our Love team will band together, support each other and catch up for a coffee walks to get through it.”