Published on: September 2024
Record: HANSARD-1323879322-144774
Kristy Wales' Breast Cancer Story
Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)
—Speaker October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common cancer among women. 58 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. 1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men are diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to recognise the success story of North Sydney local, Kristy Wales, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 26. Kristy managed to turn the devastation of her diagnosis into something sweet through the art of baking, and now brings so much joy to others. During her chemotherapy treatment amid Covid lockdowns, Kristy discovered a hidden talent as a baker. Now, Kristy spreads the love by fulfilling three to four cake orders each week, juggling baking with her full-time job in digital marketing. Kristy is now an active member of Cancer Chicks, a national charity for young women impacted by Cancer. She also danced at the Cancer Council Stars of the North fundraiser, which raised $200,000. Kristy is now cancer free and thriving, and I hope her baking continues to be a success.