At three, Stacey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – a type of blood cancer.
“I don’t remember a lot of it as I was so young,” she says. “But I was very sick. I was in and out of hospital for about three years.”
For Stacey, chemotherapy wasn’t an option. “I was different to other kids. I reacted to every chemotherapy drug they gave me. In the end, they were basically telling me they have done everything they could do. I would either live or die.”
Thankfully it was the former. Stacey’s now 28 years old and cancer free.
“After my last treatment, I went into remission pretty much straight away. It’s been almost 25 years since I was sick. I never relapsed and I’m so grateful.”
That’s why Stacey is passionate about Relay For Life and taking to the track with her community to raise awareness for cancer and funds that will help people just like her.
“I’ve been Relaying for a few years now. I do it because it helps raise awareness for all cancers – not just childhood cancers. It also gives hope to cancer sufferers, carers and survivors – anyone who is affected by cancer.
“It’s also fun! You have fun at Relay and you make lots of new friends.”
Stacey hopes that the money she raises through Relay For Life will someday bring us to a cancer free future.
“I hope a cure can be found. I also hope for new treatments. Cancer is such a complex thing and not everyone reacts in the same way. From my experience, I didn’t react like someone else might have.
“Relay is a way that we can contribute to this research. We may not be able to do it ourselves, but we can raise funds so someone else can do it. I think that’s absolutely wonderful.
“It’s important to donate and become involved in Relay. Every little bit helps. We can make a difference.”
Do you want to give back to your community and help others? Find your local Relay For Life event and register today!