I'd just turned 40 and had a 1 month old at home (our 3rd child) and got the news I had stage 3 Melanoma in my lymph nodes in my face and neck. For the first time in my life, I thought I could die and I obviously didn't want to.

5 hours in surgery later, minus 43 lymph nodes and my left parotid gland, with no feeling in my left ear (which has never come back) and the whole left side of my face drooping with palsy from the surgery (which came back many months later) - I had 2 options. I was already feeling the most anxious I'd ever felt in my life, so I wasn't going to let it beat me. I was taking option 2 and not letting cancer beat me, like it has some many other Australians.

I ride to show how much I cherish those times that taught me you only live once so you'd better get on board and live. Live your life, speak your mind and be bloody kind to EVERYONE!!

Everyone has their struggles, but if we cherish life and lead with kindness, it's so much more enjoyable.

There isn’t a single person I know that hasn’t been touched by cancer. Whether it’s through a loved one, friend, family member or it’s much more personal, cancer is a terrible burden.