Cassandra Shields

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WHY I'M DOING IT

Each day in February I'm hitting the water for SurFebruary and raising funds for cancer research at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

The reality is that one in two of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime. That’s a pretty big statistic. The good news is that we can make a tangible impact on how we treat cancer by contributing to innovative cancer research that benefits us all.

It only takes a minute to donate and anything you can give (no matter how big or small) will go a long way to helping people with cancer and their families.

Thank you, I really appreciate your support.

See you in the water!

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Why I am doing this for reals :)

Thursday 8th Jan
In July 2017, I was given news that profoundly changed my life. The lump in my breast that my 4 year old son's elbow would poke into when he climbed over me, was cancer. In less than a week, I had a scan, biopsy, diagnosis and a mastectomy. It was a whirlwind, and only the start of a much longer journey. my surgery was followed with chemotherapy, which wiped me out for months. Then 25 fractions of radiation. A year later, after not enjoying the limitations of wearing a prosthetic breast, I decided to get a reconstruction, which involved removing muscle from my back to create a pocket for my implant to go in. Although, active treatment wound up after about a year, there was ongoing side effects from medication, lingering fatigue, muscle weakness, mobility issues, and a wiped immune system. 

Now, 8 + years on, I am excited to say that I am fitter, stronger and healthier than perhaps I have ever been. I credit this to my surfing journey, which I started in December 2024. Learning to surf, has helped me feel more confident in my body, build strength, and gain trust in it again.  

So, I am very excited to pay it forward, as without research my story could have looked very different; and what better way than to raise money doing the thing that I love, and which also reminds me I am not just a survivor, but a post-cancer thriver. Hurrah!

It would be wonderful for more people to have stories like mine, or even better still, for there to be fewer people impacted by cancer, thanks to life-changing research! 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Cassandra Shields

$106.12

Ali And Sime X

You’re an inspiration, surf angel!

$43.60

Anne Gordon

We love you. Good on you!!!

$38.33

Laura Baker

Love you! Wish I could donate more! Xxxx

$22.58

Lesley Ann Gordon

Hang 10 cass