Sunshine Coast makeup artist Natalie Hunter diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer
A glamorous Qld mum and successful TV and wedding makeup artist refuses to accept an incurable diagnosis.
Sunshine Coast
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A brave single mother and successful makeup artist refuses to accept an incurable cancer diagnosis – saying she “has other plans” and has to stay alive for her beloved children.
Natalie Hunter, 43, of Palmview, had built herself a beautiful life with her two children and a successful career spanning more than 20 years when she nearly lost everything.
She thrived as a TV, editorial, and bridal makeup artist, working with thousands of people and travelling to amazing destinations for work.
Then, suddenly in 2023 she was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with stage four aggressive metastatic bowel cancer.
In the 18 months since her diagnosis Ms Hunter has undergone seven lifesaving operations – never knowing when her last day could be.
After nearly a year of reprieve from fighting cancer, last month she was hit with another devastating diagnosis.
“I now have four tumours on my lungs,” Ms Hunter said.
“It started in my bowel, spread to the liver, and has now popped up in my lungs which means the cancer is travelling through my bloodstream.
“I’m actually feeling really strong and well. The only reason it was picked up is because I’m being monitored so closely.”
One of her oldest friends, Karen Hasler, started a GoFundMe to support her.
“I honestly thought Natalie was in the clear … we had the news that the cancer has metastasised to her lungs,” Ms Hasler said.
“It’s absolutely devastating. As a single mum of two teenagers, Natalie is continuing to fight for her life and will be undergoing ongoing treatment for as long as it takes.
“The whole way through this journey Natalie has remained so incredibly brave and positive. She’s dealing with this latest blow as a true fighter – I can only wish to have the same inner strength as her.”
Despite a death sentence from doctors, Ms Hunter said she refuses to believe it and is staying positive.
“They’re calling it incurable and have given me a timeline but I don’t want to share that with my children,” Ms Hunter said.
“I simply don’t believe in it … sorry but I’ve got other plans.
“My mindset is really strong. This isn’t going to kill me.”
Ms Hunter will start strong chemotherapy in a couple of weeks to treat the incurable cancer.
“Miracles happen but also I could be delusional,” she said.
“Just because it’s a grim diagnosis doesn’t mean it has to be a death sentence … people are walking the streets with cancer not even knowing right now.
“They’re really confident this chemo will shrink the tumours too.
“I’m filled with hope. Doctors have a job to do and they have to tell us the worst case scenario. I just know that these tumours are going to go.
“Any parent with cancer says it’s the kids which keeps them going and it’s so true. I’ve got a lot more time to spend with them.”
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