Her Story:

Kath was 39 years old when she was told her Pap smear showed abnormal changes in the cells on her cervix, and she would need laser treatment. The appearance of a lump in the region, eighteen months later, was not flagged by her doctor as "anything to worry about", and after another eighteen months of consultation with two other GP’s, and two gynaecologists, Kath was finally diagnosed with vulval cancer.

To save her life Kath underwent "life altering" surgery, in an area of her body all women regard as sacred. Whilst receiving adequate support from healthcare professionals, and family, Kath realised she still had a dire need to be able to share her experience with other women, including knowing that she was not alone in her suffering and healing.

In her search to find other women to talk to about her experience, Kath found none. So she placed an advert in a women’s magazine and received 38 replies, all from women who had waited a long time to share their experiences, and who were similarly grateful to have the opportunity to break their own silence.

From a position of experience, and compassion, Kath created GAIN in response to the needs of these women. Today, a vibrant cancer survivor, she continues to lobby for more awareness, funding and research for gynaecological cancers, pre-cancers and other gynaecological disorders.

Page last updated Sun, 12 Oct 2008  23.50