The story of mum of three, Tracey Beasley, of Pambula and her battle against life-threatening stage IV melanoma has hit the national headlines with the Daily Mail Australia running the story.
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Tracey has always been a big Facebook user, not only connecting with friends but telling the story of her journey regarding the cancer that has dogged her life for many years.
It’s story that has captured the hearts of locals who have shared Tracey’s story online and via Facebook.
After having several melanomas removed Tracey thought that she was free of the threat but then late last year doctors discovered she had a brain tumour.
Tracey never flinched from posting the confronting photos after her operation. Knowing that she had a gene mutation that made her prone to melanoma, Tracey and her doctors were at first unsure whether the brain tumour was a secondary stage of melanoma. After the grueling surgery, doctors confirmed that the large brain tumour was a secondary melanoma to one that was removed a decade ago.
Following her last round of surgery, Tracey endured entire brain radiation, only to be told that the cancer has returned. With another tumour on the brain and another on the lung, Tracey was advised that treatment would be difficult.
But Tracey is driven by a goal of wanting to see her three gorgeous children grow up while also wanting to create awareness about melanoma. She is actively pushing to see hats with wider brims for school children and wants to ensure greater shade areas are installed in playgrounds and school play areas.
Next week Tracey will undergo hour long stereotactic radiosurgery treatment. Following treatment, Tracey’s best chance of survival will be the immunotherapy medication Keytruda which fights advanced inoperable melanoma and tumours but Keytruda comes at a cost of $150,000 per year and is not currently listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Despite all that she faces, Tracey remains incredibly positive with an infectious caring and fun-loving attitude that her friends cannot but help return with interest, which is why they have banded together to set up Team Tracey “We’ve Got Your Back” which aims to fundraise to alleviate Tracey’s financial strain associated with her treatment, travel and living expenses.
The group has organised a number of fundraisers including a kids disco for all school aged kids to show their support to Tracey’s three children Molly, Toby and Banjo which will be held at Club Sapphire on Friday, July 17. They have organised a band night for the adults which will also be held at Club Sapphire on Saturday, July 25 and a monster raffle.
Tickets for the two events will be available online and at outlets to be advised on their Facebook page in the next few weeks. The monster raffle is filled with prizes donated by local businesses and members of the community, with a major prize of a $5000 holiday donated by Bobbins Transport.
If you would like to donate to the monster raffle there are three drop off points, Westpac Merimbula, Nolan’s Auto Parts Pambula or Eden Gas and Gear. Team Tracey will accept prizes up until Friday, May 29.
Team Tracey have also set up a bank account for donations. If you would like to donate to Tracey the bank details are: TL Beasley-Smith, BSB 633-000 and account number 154 746 416 or via the My Cause “Team Tracey We’ve Got Your Back” fundraising page for credit card donations.
For more information please see the Team Tracey "We've Got Your Back" facebook page.
