Meet Realene
Strength in the Heart of Regional Queensland
Born and raised in Mt Isa and now a proud Mackay local, Raelene, called Rae by her friends, truly understands the heartbeat of regional life and community spirit.
After meeting her husband Andy in the Mt Isa mines and relocating to Moranbah to build their life and home together, as a team they faced life head-on.
However, in August 2020, their smooth sailing would change.
After noticing some changes to her breasts, Rae booked in to a visiting breast screening truck. A decision that may have saved her life.
A follow-up biopsy revealed that she had an aggressive, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
“It was quite advanced,” Rae recalls. “I had a tumour that was six by ten centimetres, and after my mastectomy, they found 11 tumours in total,” Rae said.
Rae’s treatment—chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation—was delivered locally at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
“We didn’t have to travel, which was a godsend,” she says.
“I’d really encourage women living in regional areas to make the time to get your checks done, because the sooner you go, the less invasive your treatment could be if you have cancer.”
Although Rae’s check-ups are now bi-annual, her journey is not complete. She is passionate about shining a spotlight on the power of regional women being able to receive local treatment, and proud supporter of Mater Chicks in Pink.
While there are a number of challenges still on her horizon, Rae’s outlook on life is strong and positive, as she and Andy continue to work their way through a long list of ‘bucket list’ adventures they vowed to stop putting off.
Help Us Support Women Across Regional Queensland
Mater Chicks in Pink was created so that no woman has to face breast cancer alone—no matter where she lives. Your support helps fund local treatment, personalised care, and practical support for women like Raelene, right across Queensland.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fundraise, donate, or host your own event.
Together, we can make sure every woman—city or country—has the care she needs, close to home.
