Coastal Goddess is thrilled to announce the speaker for its 2024 Coastal Goddess Annual Ladies Lunch event is ovarian cancer survivor and author, Heather Hawkins.
Hawkins was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017 and since then has become a champion of recovery strategies for those suffering with the disease.
“In February 2007, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and my world and that of my family stood still”, she recalls.
Fortunately, the cancer was caught early, at Stage 1.
Within days Hawkins had surgery to remove an 18cm tumour and have a full hysterectomy.
That meant that instead of follow-up chemotherapy and the side effects it causes, Hawkins learned she was a “perfect candidate” for a medical surveillance program involving regular blood tests and scans.
“Fortunately, 15 years later, my cancer has not returned.”
Sadly, this is not the case for many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The five-year survival rate is only 48%. As Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) notes, every day in Australia, five women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and three will die from the disease.
“As a survivor, I long to see the statistics for survival improve”, says Hawkins.
Meanwhile, Hawkins strives to help other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer understand the diagnostic, treatment and, hopefully, recovery processes.
“It’s deeply affecting to see and hear from somebody who’s been through a cancer diagnosis,” says Hawkin.
While she works with advocacy groups to raise awareness of the disease and fundraise for support services, Hawkins continues her own post-cancer journey.
Running is now a big part of her life. In her book ‘Adventurous Spirit’ Hawkins describes the marathons, ultramarathons and adventures in extraordinary environments like Nepal, The Geographic North Pole, Antarctica, and Chile’s Atacama Desert.
“I’ll never take health for granted again after my encounter with cancer,” she says firmly. “I’m looking to the future, particularly with immunotherapy treatments which will bring significant, positive change – saving and improving the lives of women all around the world.”
Hawkins concludes: “Meaning a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily the end. That there is hope”.
Hawkins will speak at the Coastal Goddess event to be hosted at Drifter's Wharf, Gosford on Sunday, 4 August 2024.
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