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Supporting local cancer research to help Aussies like Louise in the fight of their life, the Mater Cars for Cancer lottery offers the chance to embark on a great off-road escape.
Louise just finished nursing her daughter when she first noticed a lump on her breast. At first, she suspected a bout of mastitis, common when breastfeeding, but an appointment with her doctor and three rounds of tests returned the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.
Louise’s initial diagnosis was DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ), a low-stage cancer with a mastectomy being the most effective treatment option. However, a second diagnosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) followed, requiring a longer treatment.
A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, TNBC is particularly challenging to treat. Following her mastectomy and aged only 34 at the time, Louise underwent a gruelling 16 rounds of intensive chemotherapy and 15 rounds of radiation.
"The experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer was very intense," Louise says. "My first thought was, how can this happen, I am so young and I have no family history."
"I worried about my daughter, it was a very emotional time coming to terms with the reality of being a mother and going through treatment for cancer."
Louise has always loved journalling and poetry, and documented her entire journey through cancer – it was an emotional release for Louise, and allowed her to share her experience with others.
She is forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped her on that journey, aided by the latest in Australian cancer research.
"Research is so valuable, it's a perspective I've had even before I was diagnosed with cancer," Louise says.
"With TNBC being rarer and more aggressive, it is so important that we support research so we can access new information and more treatment options."
Sadly, Louise's story is becoming more common as Australia grapples with more cancer diagnoses each year.
In 2024, an estimated 169,000 cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Around three of every 10 deaths this year will be due to cancer.
While cancer occurs across all ages, it is becoming more commonly diagnosed in Australians in their 30s and 40s. Thanks to world-class research and treatment options, Australia's five-year survival rate for cancer has increased significantly, rising from 55 per cent in 1991–1995 to 71 per cent in 2016–2020.
Every Mater Cars for Cancer ticket sold supports Australian cancer research and helps women like Louise, by enabling them to access world-leading treatment options in their fight with cancer.
The Mater Cars for Cancer 'Great Escape' first prize package includes the powerful Toyota LandCruiser Wagon GR-Sport, towing the luxurious 20-foot On the Move Traxx Off Road 20’6 Caravan.
The perfect mix of power, performance and luxury, the Toyota LandCruiser Wagon GR-Sport offers a 3.5-tonne towing capacity with 10-speed automatic transmission and manual shift mode. It sports the latest deluxe electronics and entertainment features, including a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen and 14-speaker sound system.
Meanwhile, the On the Move Traxx Off Road 20’6 Caravan is an epic home away from home that's ready for off-road adventures.
Sleeping up to four, the caravan comes with a range of style and comfort features, including a luxury kitchen and bathroom with deluxe fixtures such as a television, air conditioning, induction cooktop, fridge and washing machine.
In the back, a huge $120K in Gold Bullion rounds out an incredible $409K prize package to help finance the ultimate great escape.
The Mater Cars for Cancer lottery supports the Mater Foundation, which has funded crucial Australian cancer research for more than 20 years. The foundation supports ground-breaking medical research and leading patient care services in the community.
In 2023, the Mater Foundation provided more than $30.9 million in funding for projects across Mater Health, Mater Education and Mater Research. The result is the improvement of treatment, care and outcomes for all.
Every Mater Cars for Cancer ticket sold supports cancer research at Mater and helps Australians like Louise, by enabling them to access world-leading treatment options in their fight with cancer.
Every ticket goes into the draw to win the ultimate first prize package, while every three tickets purchased includes an entry into the bonus Multi Ticket $5000 draw.
VIPs with a monthly membership gain automatic entry into all Cars for Cancer draws, along with exclusive VIP draws for $1000 gift cards and $10,000 in cashable gold bullion.
Every Mater Cars for Cancer lottery ticket changes lives, supporting Australians like Louise in their fight to beat cancer.
"There were definitely days where I just struggled, literally, to get out of bed," Louise says. "But the nurses, the doctors, the hospital, are so fabulous, and they provide just infinite support. I always felt like I could get through this."
"Anyone out there who is thinking of buying a ticket, thank you. I feel emotional about it because I know that your support of research changes lives. It has changed my life."
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