Category: Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation

I’m Jess

I am 36yrs old, a wife to Keiran and a mum to Declan 5yrs, and Maddi 4yrs.

I have sarcoma, sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma. Diagnosed in 2014. I have under gone 3 massive surgeries, the last leaving me with half a sternum, a few less ribs, no abs and a whole lot of mesh so I don’t cave in! I’ve done radiotherapy, chemotherapy, votrient, and clinical trials; including T cells and now immunotherapy. And after all that the tumors are still here, stubborn buggers, just like me. My formal diagnosis is; incurable, inoperable local metastatic fibrosarcoma.

I love to live. Cancer has brought back my spontaneous zest for life. Pre kids’ hubby and I would travel, weekends away, attend advents and take day trips. Two small children stole that freedom for a few years but we are now back and not wasting anytime. As a family we love the outdoors, the beach, new places, camping with friends and trying new things.

Prior to 2020 I was a Practice Manager; I’ve always loved the health industry and miss having a professional career. My husband is a Geotechnical Engineer and works a FIFO roster, so I am home with the kids. Although they test my patience’s I am so grateful I get to spend my remaining time on earth watching them grow and challenge my will to live ?

20/21 was a tough year of surgeries, treatments and disappointment. I have accepted my situation, as shit as it is, but I refuse to sit around. I am alive and I plan to be for a long time to come. I am incredibly passionate in creating awareness around this hideous disease. I’ve documented my story on Instagram; for me, for my hubby, for my kids and for anyone who might need it. Social media has been a wonderful support and outlet.

So that’s me, a very basic overview anyways. Please check out my Instagram page living.with.sarcoma. I am always up for a chat, for anyone who might need it, and if not my kids are absolute firecrackers and their content is sure to make you smile. They honestly don’t stop, like ever! Lastly; take the picture, say yes to the opportunity, and the washing can always wait. Time is a thief, steal back as much of it as you can.

Love Jess

Be sure to be watching at 5.30 EST today as one of the loveliest and most grounded young elite sportswomen @amyparmenterr makes her Australian Diamonds debut in New Zealand – pictured with teammate @kiera_austin .

Amy, and her exceptional sisters @daisyparmy and @laraparmenter are the three remarkable young women @thetiedyeproject_ originally incepted in memory of their precious mum Gilly, who lost her life to mesothelioma in 2013.

In more recent times the trio have joined with two more forces of nature, young sarcoma survivor @mollycroft_ and her mum @angenjohncroft. Together the quintet are taking sarcoma head on with the most recent iteration of The Tie Dye Project soon to be revealed.

We wish Amy a truly magical night as she debuts for Australia and we all extend our deepest gratitude for the work she continues to do to progress sarcoma in Australia (in her spare time)

The Australian Institute of Health Welfare (2021) indicated 1 in 5 Australians (5 million) will suffer mental health conditions, however, a staggering 54% of these people do not access treatment.

An estimated 163,000 people are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2022,  and the impact of cancer on mental health is often overlooked.

40% of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, making the need for care evident. (Cancer Council Victoria)

If you are living with cancer and need support, there are a number of reputable organisations equipped to help.

You never walk this road alone.
Cancer Council 13 11 20
Lifeline 131114
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Canteen Connect online service – https://canteenconnect.org/

Those living with sarcoma nationally have access to clinically supervised free of charge support services through the Fergus McCulla Psychological Support Programme.

Call Keith Cox or Tania Rice-Brading  02 93575378 or go to the link in our bio to arrange a consultation.

Finally when you ask anyone the question RUOK? It’s important to really listen to the answer, encourage relevant action and check in regularly with that person to see how they’re doing.

Vale Jarrod Anderson

19th August 1995 – 5 September 2022

Jarrod was your typical 26 year old living each day to the full .

Life changed forJarrod in the blink of an eye when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 11 short months ago in October of 2021.

The months that followed his diagnosis saw him fight his cancer with every ounce of his strength, with his loving and devoted mum Michelle by his side throughout, together with his siblings Jodie, Stephen and Sarah who provided support to their precious brother.

Two weeks ago Jarrod celebrated his 27th birthday with his remarkable family, and many special memories were made.

Early Monday morning, we were deeply saddened to learn Jarrod’s courageous battle with this cancer had ended surrounded by the love of his family – his one constant throughout.

Jarrod was never left in any doubt as to how much he was, and is, loved.

Tonight we send our heartfelt condolences, our love and strength to Jarrod’s family.

“Photographs are proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.”

The Anderson family would like to thank the staff at the Mater Hospital and the Palliative Care Team in Waratah.

When a child/ adolescent receives a cancer diagnosis, their world changes in the blink of an eye.  Often forced to grow up quickly, contemplate their mortality, & endure great emotional angst together with unimaginable pain and suffering.  They watch as their friends continue to live the life they place on hold.

Random acts of kindness make the world go round for young people living with a cancer diagnosis.

We have the greatest privilege of working with the best ambassadors (and human beings) many of which were Coop’s friends.

This week was a truly special one & while these people work quietly behind the scenes, & without fanfare, there comes a time when words need to be found to say thank you.

Yesterday CRBF ambassador & a man with an enormous heart @wippa1 and the  wonderful @camillawithlove together with Camilla’s remarkable team, Alexia and Brooke joined forces to make the day of a little girl, valiantly fighting osteosarcoma for 4 years.  Her challenges & her courage in facing these challenges literally defy words.

Without cameras, media, & with more love than you could ever begin to imagine, a little girl’s dreams came true.

Wippa & Camilla joined forces in 2021 on the celebrity challenge team that raised $183,000 for paediatric sarcoma research at the @childrenscancerinstitute on @celebrityapprentice , through the Wipfli Family Sarcoma Research Fund.

In another part of the world new grandfather and all round good guy @paulroos1 was busy working on making another dream come true for a young @sydneyswans supporter.  Despite his willingness to do what he can for young sarcoma patients, getting the Swannies into the GF may just push the envelope.

Finally the amazing @billysmith___ @art_stanley_ , @thesilverfox68 , Dan & Lisa Miller, @amyparmenterr , Em Rothfield, Yael Bradbury, the team @accorstadium , @allianzstadium & @mcc_members ,  working so hard on very big projects to deliver joy to our beneficiaries over coming weeks.

Weeks like the one past, take a village.  How do we ever thank each of you?

Cooper Laine Rice-Brading

22 January 1999 – 24 August 2017

Forever and always

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember.….even if we’re apart I’ll always be with you.” A.A.Milne

#missingyoucoops
#curesarcoma
#notgivingin