"It's just Bad Luck" my Neuro Surgeon told me.
I wasn't supposed to get Cancer! Heart disease ran in my family.
On July 31,2013, I had an Awake Craniotomy after several MRIs showed that I had a "Low-Grade Glioma" of the Brain.
Four weeks later I was told that the tumor was more aggressive than expected and it was an "Anaplastic Astrocytoma".
I have had 6 weeks of Radiation and Chemotherapy, followed up with 6 months of Chemotherapy.
I went back to work as a Group Fitness Instructor at Kilbirnie pool, and a Green Prescription Support Person at Sport Wellington 4 weeks after my operation.
Exercise has helped me to cope with the stress and pain that a diagnosis of Cancer brings.
I am partaking in several cycling events in 2014 to raise money for the Cancer Society plus the Mallaghan Institute.
The first event is the iconic 101km Grape Ride.
The second and third are indoor cycle events, that Les Mills Extreme are running.
The fourth is the Ride to Conquer Cancer in Auckland. 200kms over 2 days.
I would like to let those who suffer from any life altering illness to know that they don't have to give up.
Life is for living, so live like there's no tomorrow!
I am now doing the "Ride of my Life" over the next few years I will continue to challenge myself on my bike.
The first event is "Go By Bike" day on Feb 11th, 2015.
Then "Bike the Lake" 86km around Lake Rotorua twice Feb 22nd.
Bush Cycle Tour 147kms, March 8th.
Taupo-Rotorua 100kms on April 18th.
It doesn't stop there though.....