For the past 25 years, 43-year-old Sarah McGoram’s life has been an uphill battle, but she is desperate to remain eternally optimistic despite her mountain of challenges.
Diagnosed with a rare cancer called Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) just after her 18th birthday and told she only had 12 months to live was heartbreaking and traumatic for Sarah and her family.
“It was definitely difficult and at the time I was juggling a combination of denial, fear and anxiety but through the support of my family and friends, I decided the only option was to embrace optimism and enjoy every day that I could,” she said.
According to Sarah, the most important thing in life is to make the most of every day because you never know when it will be your last.
Her amazing support system has been by her side throughout the past two decades and she gives credit to her husband and son for their joy and optimism that keep her going.
“I met my husband five years after my diagnosis and he’s such a brave soul for taking me on with all the challenges I have and knowing I was living on borrowed time,” she said.
“A few years after dating, we were married, and we were lucky enough to have our medical miracle son George who is just a tremendous joy.”
Sarah said she owes her life to the vital medical research funded by organisations such as the Cancer Council through its annual Daffodil Day Appeal.
“When I was diagnosed with GIST, I was told there were no treatments and no cure, so the doctors sent me home from the hospital and wished me luck,” she said.
“Within the past 25 years I’ve been living with this cancer, the research has evolved at a critical speed which has provided me with treatment options I never had before.
“Without Daffodil Day funding medical research, I wouldn’t be alive today so it’s essential for improving the lives of people living with cancer – it’s our ticket out.”
The next treatment option for Sarah is a drug called Qinlock and was approved for funding last Friday, which she says is incredible.
Qinlock is the third treatment option for GIST patients, giving them more options to live longer without having to pay tens of thousands of dollars a month.
“Personally, it’s my next treatment option as the past two have now become ineffective for me,” Sarah said.
“It’s really significant for all of us.”
With COVID-19 restrictions impacting all of Canberra and stopping any face-to-face sales, the Daffodil Day Appeal has had to get creative with their fundraising campaign this year.
Cancer Council ACT marketing manager Amanda Fintan says there ares still a number of ways people can get behind the campaign.
“If you are one of the wonderful people who would usually purchase fresh daffodils, we’re counting on you to show your flower power in a different way and help save Daffodil Day,” she said.
Here’s how you can support people like Sarah on Daffodil Day this Friday 27 August:
- Make an online donation at https://www.daffodilday.com.au/donate
- Have fresh bunches of daffodils delivered to your home or workplace for a minimum donation of $100 thanks to the help of Canberra FM.
- Become a Yellow Fundraiser by getting active in yellow, giving up something you love for the month of August and registering at https://www.daffodilday.com.au/donatedaffodilday.com.au/fundraise-your-way/
- Join the Game for Good Campaign at https://tiltify.com/cancer-council-australia/game-for-good
- Get the kids involved and enter our colouring/scavenger hunt competition with the chance to win their very own daffodil bicycle at https://actcancer.org/fundraising-and-events/daffodil-day-2021/colour-or-find-the-daffodils-for-your-chance-to-win/
Go to the campaign’s website for more.
If you or your loved one is affected by cancer and you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19, please call Cancer Council’s free and confidential 13 11 20 information and support line.
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