A seemingly innocent health concern can sometimes reveal something far more serious, and for one Australian mum, a routine checkup took an unexpected turn.

What started as a simple visit to the doctor soon turned into a life-altering discovery that changed everything.

Now, her story serves as an important reminder about the health issues we often overlook—especially for women.


A Sunshine Coast mum, Sara Climie, was dealt a devastating blow just days before Christmas, after her battle with breast cancer took a heart-wrenching turn.

The 38-year-old single mother first went to her doctor with a persistent cough in May, leading to an unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer after her doctor noticed 'hard ridges' over her right breast.


With no family history of cancer, the diagnosis came as a shock to Sara. 'The cough was completely irrelevant but it just got me there,' the photographer and stylist shared.

'It completely changed our lives so fast... it took over... you never think it's going to happen to you.'

After months of gruelling chemotherapy, often referred to as the 'red devil', Sara was given the green light for a double mastectomy.

She was hopeful for a recovery in time for Christmas. But a post-surgery examination revealed a new 2 cm tumour, throwing her plans into disarray.

Sara now faces another nine months of chemotherapy, potential radiation, and long-term hormone therapy.


'I was just looking to the finish line. I was just telling myself that it was temporary and we will be back soon. I realise now it was wishful thinking,' she said.

Unable to work due to the toll the treatment has taken, Sara and her young son have been relying on her savings to get by.

With more months of difficult treatments ahead, she set up a GoFundMe campaign to ease the financial burden.

'The road ahead is overwhelming and consuming me, while I try to keep things as normal as possible on the home front,' she wrote.


Sara continues to fight but her condition has weighed heavily on her independence, career, and personal life.

'The loss of my independence, my energy, my breasts, career, hair, social life, ability to show up as the friend and mum I've always been,' she said.

She’s faced it all with resilience, keeping her spirits up with a joke and a flick of her wig. 'We thought we were done. He thinks we’re done. And we’re not even halfway there.'

The funds raised through the campaign will go towards Sara's mounting medical bills and to manage the side effects of her treatment.

'Any contributions will be used to minimise my chemo side effects with pain management, mental health support and integrative oncology care,' she shared.

Sara urged all women to stay vigilant with their health. 'Please keep checking yourself, no matter your age,' she advised.


Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, with one in seven women diagnosed in their lifetime.

While predominantly affecting women, men can also develop the disease. Women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for free mammograms every two years through the BreastScreen Australia program.

Early symptoms include lumps and changes in the size or shape of the breast.


Have you had a moment where a small symptom turned into something bigger? Share your story in the comments below.