Raising awareness for the prevention of melanoma.

Emily's Story

In February 2006 Emily moved to Brisbane with her partner Aaron, so he could be closer to his 7 year old son Ryley. With a new house to set up and landing a great new job in Brisbane. Emily had her future mapped out with Aaron, the man of her dreams.

A year prior to moving to Brisbane, Emily had a level four melanoma removed from the back of her arm but, because of its position, Emily had been unaware of the mole for too long. Had she been checked as a matter of course it would have been detected and Emily would still be with us.

The mole was removed and Emily was given the "all clear" but undetected cells had in fact escaped and fourteen months later in Brisbane, Emily found a small pea sized lump under her arm (lymph glands). Only two and a half months later she was tragically taken from us. Melanoma took her life, but not her dignity.

When in hospital Emily celebrated her 27th Birthday on 30th May. A week later was told she only had 2 weeks to live. On the 11th of June 2006, family and friends came up from Melbourne to be a part of this most memorable day, as well as Emily being baptised Aaron proposed in the Chapel at the Mater Private Hospital, South Brisbane.

Emily inspired so many people and with her infectious smile, her outgoing personality and love for life she left a mark with everyone she come in contact with. Emily will be surely missed. It is imperative that others learn from these events. The awareness and early detection is simple the consequences of non-detection are disastrous

Emily on her wedding day 16th June 2006 and became an angel on 22nd June 2006

Every now and then we come
across a special person who touches
the heart and warms the soul and
all at once we realise we are in the
presence of a wingless angel.
- Adele Basheer

Emily and Aaron at Mater Hospital (Brisbane) Chapel