FOR Bedfordale resident Jodie Grant to live, she had to make a decision no woman should have to.
In November 2009, at just 36, she was told she had breast cancer.
Ms Grant was then told that if she wanted a chance at life she would have to terminate her pregnancy.
“I was told I had breast cancer and couldn’t keep the baby I had been carrying for three months because of the treatment I had to undergo,” she said.
“It was an aggressive cancer and with the pregnancy hormones … it was making things worse. The termination was just beyond anything I would have dreamed of doing normally.
“But my three children needed their mum. I had no other choice.
“I’ll never get over having to make that decision.”
Ms Grant’s life then began to get more difficult when her husband left.
“We were only married one year when he walked out,” she said.
“We got married just before my hair fell out, but he left the marriage after one year.
Despite the emotional and physical pain Ms Grant is still enduring, she is positive.
Comment News caught up with her soon after a second round of reconstructive surgery and she is looking forward to the future.
“I’m glad to be alive, I’m very excited about my future,” she said.
“I have a new man who loves me and I have my three children and a grandchild.
“And I’m happy to be getting the early detection message out to young women.
Ms Grant said it was important for women to know not everyone dies from cancer and that early detection saves lives.
As part of Avon’s Let’s Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer campaign, representatives, including Ms Grant, will visit shopping centres to promote breast cancer awareness.
Avon’s five new shades of lipsticks will be available to purchase, with $1 from each sold donated to the breast cancer cause.
Ms Grant will be at the Jull Street Mall in Armadale selling lipsticks on Friday, March 9, from 10am.