Deborah King

Fighting with Hope and Courage

Long before I was diagnosed with cancer I found I had an affinity with finding four leaf clovers. 

I would be with  friends looking for four leaf clovers, I would generally find one, sometimes up to three at one time and my friends would not be so lucky.

I believe someone in heaven sends them to me.

Since my battle with cancer the four leaf clovers have become really important to me. 

I have been battling cancer since 2019, had four surgeries and lost my hair not once nor twice but three times. After three different types of intravenous chemotherapy throughout my battle, I’m grateful my hair is growing back for the third time.

My cancer battle prompted me to seize the day.

In 2013 I was given one year to live, I bought a one way ticket to England and travelled Europe until I fractured my ankle in Cyprus and had to return home.

On my travels I would take kangaroo pins and give them to people who I chatted and connected with.

I had my four leaf clover pendant designed and hand made by a local jeweller.

My life long desire was to travel to Egypt and go on an African safari which I accomplished last year. While in Cairo I played a four leaf clover poker machine playing one American dollar and won equivalent to   $5,200 Australian dollars.

This year I travelled to Italy and while trying to find my group I found two four leaf clovers in the Vatican City garden.

This year on my travels, along with the kangaroo pins I gave four leaf clover key rings  to people I chatted and connected with. 

I am now selling the key rings $5 each to raise money for Relay for life.

I am still fighting and while my cancer persists and continues to grow despite the many treatments. I am grateful for the opportunity to partake in new trials hoping for more time and dig deep everyday for the courage to continue even with all the fatigue and side effects.

This year, I’m taking on Relay For Life to raise funds for every person who’s ever heard the words: “you have cancer”. In 2024, more than 150, 000 Australians will receive the news. Among them are our friends, families and colleagues.

Cancer is a devastating disease for so many. For people living with cancer, their treatments can be long and stressful. For those without solutions, the future can be uncertain. It’s a concern shared by their loved ones.

But with your support, I hope to help as many people impacted by cancer as possible. Together, we can support families when they need it most, empower people to reduce their risk, speak up for communities, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer.

Every step I take is one closer to a cancer free future. But I can’t do it alone! Please donate to my Relay today and together, we can help Cancer Council provide life-changing support services, advocacy, prevention and research across Australia.

Thank you for stepping up. Together we’ll make powerful strides against cancer!