Race for Life Case Study: Julie-Ann Gallagher (From Daily Echo)

Race for Life Case Study: Julie-Ann Gallagher

10:17am Wednesday 24th February 2010 in News By Sally Churchward, Senior Feature Writer

When Julie-Ann Gallagher was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 31, she prayed she would live to see her daughter’s wedding day. On June 19, her prayer will be answered when her daughter, Sarah, walks down the aisle. Julie-Ann, from Bishop’s Waltham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 just eight weeks after being widowed.

With two young children – Carl, 14-months, and Sarah, six – she was determined to fight for her life.

She embarked on gruelling treatment, including a mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery and several months of chemotherapy before taking Tamoxifen for five years.

Following another course of chemotherapy, the tumours were shrinking. But in 2005, tests showed the cancer had spread to her lungs, neck and armpits.

“They said I was going to die but I’m still here.”

At the end of last year Julie-Ann was told the cancer had spread to her bones and spine and was offered the chance to take part in a Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial at Southampton General Hospital.

Julie-Ann, now aged 44, says: “I’ve used every ounce of my strength to fight the disease. Nobody can say how long I’ve got but I’m determined to be a survivor. “After I was diagnosed, I prayed I would see my daughter’s wedding day, which is in June. I believe positive thinking can do a lot. It’s been a battle but I never give in.”

Julie-Ann had hoped to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to fundraise for Cancer Research UK, but doctors have warned her against flying. She now has her sights set on taking part in Winchester Race for Life, and once she has built up the muscles in her back, climbing in the Brecon Beacons.