Ashley Coffey

My name is Ashley Coffey and I was first diagnosed with breast cancer late December 2005.
I remember the Christmas decorations going up in the Mater Private with toddler son on my knee, hearing the words “Cancer” as a young mother of two was the furthest thing on my mind.

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I was terrified with no family history and little knowledge of what was ahead autopilot kicked in. 
My initial fears were not seeing my boy’s milestones and as much as family and friends were around I needed people familiar with cancer for support. 
Multiple Surgeries, Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy filled the calendar for 2006.
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It was a very tough time and luckily I became aware of ARC Cancer Support Centres and even better it was beside the Mater Hospital.
The oasis of calm that greets you is amazing. The whole community there just embrace you. From your first cuppa you know you can breathe, rest, relax and cry if needed.
I have been so lucky to have had them and availed of many services they provide over the years.
ARC Cancer Support Centres has not just been there for me once but three times as 2014 and 2019 I had additional breast cancer diagnosis’s. As a multiple survivor it’s very important to get a positive message out and trust me when I say I live my life to the full! 
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I constantly sing ARC’s praises and point anyone who needs support with treatment and challenges their way. I can’t express the importance of the work they do enough.
It’s a privilege to be associated with ARC Cancer Support Centres and giving back in any small way is a fraction of what they serve daily to the people entering their welcoming doors. I’m thrilled to see the fundamental fundraising back up and running, for this cancer support gem.