When Brisbane mum and stage three breast cancer survivor Emma holds her son Owen in her arms, she knows how lucky they are to both be alive.

Diagnosed with breast cancer just 12 weeks into her pregnancy last year, Emma, who is now in remission, said she was inspired to ‘kick cancer’ thanks to four-month-old Owen – her much-wanted baby.

Emma, a Mater Private Hospital Brisbane patient, endured months of gruelling treatment, including a lumpectomy and node removal, followed by 16 rounds of chemotherapy.

The 41-year-old Upper Mount Gravatt mum said throughout her treatment she had feared for Owen, who was born in February at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane.

“I was told that the pregnancy was actually fuelling the type of cancer I had,” Emma said.

Emma said her diagnosis took her by surprise, although she had noticed changes to her breasts and had put off seeing a doctor because she was “too busy”.

“I was getting some pain, but I just thought it was pregnancy related,” she said.

In April, Emma burst into tears when Mater Oncologist Dr Rebecca Moor told her scans revealed she was “cancer free”.

“I remember that day so well. I was spending the day with my dad and Owen in Redcliffe as it was the anniversary of my mum’s passing. I received the call from my oncologist Dr Moore while we were in a gift shop. My dad and I both started crying and hugging in the middle of the shop,” Emma said. 

On 28 June, to give back to the hospital that saved the life of her unborn baby by providing treatment throughout her breast cancer journey, Emma is shining the spotlight on Mater Giving Day – when all donations to Mater Foundation will be TRIPLED by matching donors.

One in every four Queensland breast cancer patients is treated at Mater facilities across south-east Queensland.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said last year $1.6 million was raised in just 24 hours in support of the Mater Giving Day appeal.

“Mater Giving Day – Wednesday 28 June – is the day the community can give to make good things happen,” Mr Thomas said.

“This extraordinary fundraiser unites Mater staff, patients, loved ones and supporters with gratitude to deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare throughout Queensland.

“This year our generous Matched Givers have pledged to triple every single dollar raised by the community – so the impact of community fundraising will make a truly incredible difference to Mater patients.

Emma was a Mater Giving Day donor before her diagnosis and is now even more supportive of the annual fundraiser.

“Now I understand first-hand how important research and equipment is within a hospital and is much needed to improve patient outcomes. I donated knowing that my donation will help others – never did I think that someday I would be a patient,” Emma said.

“I would encourage others to donate and help patients have a brighter future. You never know if it will be you or a family member needing that help.” 

“The team at Mater have been caring and supportive since day one and I have trusted every decision they have made in giving me the best outcome to kick cancer,” Emma said.

“My beautiful oncologist said that even though my chemotherapy is over they will still be there for me every step of the way as I am still undergoing active treatment.