By CHARLENE MACAULAY
SINA Portelli is no stranger to cancer.
The Burnside Heights resident has battled the big C three times – the first time 15 years ago when a cervical tumour was removed, in 2005 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her left breast, and most recently last year when another lump was found in the same breast.
Mrs Portelli had a mastectomy and reconstruction after her first breast cancer diagnosis, with only a one per cent chance of the cancer re-appearing.
Unfortunately for Mrs Portelli, she was in that one per cent.
This time around, she underwent radiotherapy and is on hormone tablets for the next five years.
It’s enough to make any woman fall apart, but Mrs Portelli had stayed positive throughout.
Mrs Portelli, who was treated at the Sunshine and Western Hospitals, is one of 12 breast cancer survivors who will take to the catwalk at the Moonee Valley Racing Club later this month to raise money for breast cancer sufferers in the West.
“It’s good to show people that having cancer is not the end of the world,” she said.
“You can’t give up. You get days where you feel down, but you can’t give up.”
BreastWest’s third biennial Fashion Parade will see Mrs Portelli and the other models wearing Myer’s latest winter fashions.
They will be escorted down the runway by Western Health breast cancer specialists, Western Bulldogs players and other support people, and will each share their own breast cancer journey.
About 500 people are expected to attend the event. BreastWest was formed in 2006 by Western Health’s Divisional Director of Surgical Services and breast cancer survivor Claire Culley to help breast cancer sufferers in the West.
The BreastWest Fashion Parade will be held on Wednesday 26 June.
Tickets start from $125 and include a three-course meal and unlimited drinks. To make a booking, call 1300 079 599 or email Breastwest@wh.org.au.
