Download the clark family`s story

THE CLARK FAMILY’S STORY
It all began in 1992 when high school sweethearts Kylie and Justin first met. They started dating a year
later as 16 and 17 year old kids. A six year courtship followed, after which they were married and have
since had four beautiful children: Nathan (17), Emma (15), Toby (12) and Noah (9).
It was one evening in 2007, at the very young age of 30, that Kylie was breastfeeding four month old
Noah when she noticed a lump in her breast. A trip to the doctor the following morning was followed by
a biopsy confirming her worst fear. Kylie was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. Kylie
immediately had her left breast and lymph nodes removed and commenced radiation and
chemotherapy.
It was at this time that Kylie was genetically tested to ascertain the cause of the cancer. The results
showed that Kylie had the faulty BRCA2 gene. Many people associate this with Angelina Jolie Pitt, who is
the public face of women with this mutated gene.
Having this gene meant that Kylie had a 60% lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and 50%
lifetime chance of ovarian cancer. In 2008, Kylie took preventative measures by having her unaffected
right breast removed (completing the double mastectomy) and a full hysterectomy in the hope that this
would eliminate any chances of developing further cancer.
Kylie returned to full health and had a renewed and positive outlook on life. She decided to leave her
career in teaching and pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a midwife. Kylie returned to university
and successfully completed her four year Bachelor of Midwifery in 2014. She subsequently obtained
employment as a qualified midwife at the Redlands Hospital in early 2015. Life could not have been
better.
In November 2015, at the age of 39, Kylie started to feel extremely unwell. She returned to her doctor
who ordered immediate scans with devastating results. Kylie was diagnosed with metastatic breast
cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body and is considered
advanced-stage breast cancer. (National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.)
Kylie had a collapsed lung as a result of tumours on the lung. She also had tumours on the chest, liver
and spine. She was told the condition was terminal with the prognosis of a two year life expectancy.
There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer.
Kylie has since been selected to take part in a clinical drug trial that is specific to the BRCA gene. This
trial is ongoing and replaces traditional treatment such as chemotherapy. Kylie’s husband Justin has
taken long term leave to care for and support Kylie and their four children. The Clark family has a strong
desire to spend as much time as possible together and travel whilst Kylie is well enough to do so.
Kylie is a devoted wife and mother whose greatest legacy in life will be her family. She is tremendously
blessed to have such an amazing group of people around her. Kylie and the Clark family’s ability to
remain joyful, positive and courageous in the face of their challenging circumstances is nothing short of
extraordinary. It is inspirational.