Carolyn Parsons Hackett, ACT Australia   Click Here to Donate Now! Click Here to Sponsor a child at New Life Girls Village

Breast cancer wasn't in my family. That was before my sister-in-law, sister and I were diagnosed with breast cancer.

After the tumultuous weeks leading up to my diagnosis in February 2005 and the pressure for a 'natural girl' to participate in standard treatments, I ended up doing the 'job lot' – operations, chemo, radio and hormone therapy. I also had my daily tonics of meditation, yoga, mind healing, diet, exercise and good company.

Before my diagnosis I had exciting plans for 2005. Instead I spent my 40th birthday at the Petrea King Quest for Life Centre. Despite the circumstances I celebrated my birthday with the most inspirational people I could have wished for!

The physical elements of breast cancer turned out to be the hardest part for me;  the plastic tube dangling from my chest during chemo, the restricted movement in my arm and the tiredness. The best things about this time was the constant stream of visitors I had in Canberra for the first six months, going back to Tasmania to be with family and friends for three months and the exceptional people I met – especially the cheery nurses and physios.

Confronting cancer has made me enjoy the moment more and realise that many people have far greater challenges than me. Now, eighteen months later, and back in full-time work, my situation has instigated another assessment of what is important to me. I believe the world needs repairing on many levels and I want to make a small difference.

This December, a small band of breast cancer survivors from Australia and USA will take up a new challenge – building a cottage for AIDS and Tsunami orphans in India. We will also meet with local breast cancer survivors to share experiences of the disease, and to demonstrate the importance of peer support.

For me the Amazon Heart Odyssey presents a life changing opportunity. I look forward to meeting the other participants, the locals, the kids at the orphanage and the curries!

To make this incredible project a reality, I need your support for my fundraising efforts. My personal goal is to raise $5000 to fund construction of the orphans cottage and micro-finance programs for highly disadvantaged rural Indian women.  Every participant pays all their own expenses.

I invite you to support me by clicking on the donation links below.

Click Here to Donate Now!

Click Here to Sponsor a child at New Life Girls Village