‘This isn’t about me’: Three-time cancer battler’s mission to save

Battling ovarian cancer for the third time in four years, Alisi Jack Kaufusi is on a mission to educate others and help prevent them from going through the battle she continues to face.

At 28 years of age Alisi Jack Kaufusi never thought she would have ovarian cancer, let alone be battling the disease for a third time in four years.

Ms Jack Kaufusi was first diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in late 2017 where she had a full hysterectomy and parts of her bowel removed.

She underwent a nine-hour-long life saving surgery with gruelling recovery followed by six months of chemotherapy.

“I was 24 at the time and because it was stage three I had to have a full hysterectomy and was unable to save any of my eggs, so I’m unable to have children,” she said.

“After the surgery I had to learn how to walk, eat and even how to walk and talk at the same time again, things we take for granted that we don’t really think of.

“I had to start again, it was really tough. I was supposed to be in the hospital for about two weeks and it turned into five weeks.”

Alisi Jack Kaufusi is participating in the Workout4Women and Ovarian Cancer Australia fundraiser by walking 4km. Pic Annette Dew

After she had finished her chemotherapy treatment Ms Jack Kaufusi was put into remission but bad news came when more cancer was found in April 2020.

“I had my second recurrence in 2020 and that came with more surgeries and another six months of chemo,” she said.

She was cleared of the life-threatening disease for a second time in October of the same year, but it was only five short months until her third diagnosis came.

She said she was currently four months into her third lot of chemotherapy and would continue with other treatments once chemotherapy was over.

“Honestly it felt like I was taking two steps ahead and taking five steps back each time we found out the cancer was back,” she said.

“It’s been very challenging, not just for myself but my family and friends.”

She has now turned to using her voice to raise awareness for the cause.

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“When I found out I have ovarian cancer I had no idea what ovarian cancer was, let alone the signs, I had the symptoms but I always put it down to something else, I would never want any woman at any age to go through what I have to go through,” she said.

“I use my voice to raise awareness to get it out there, not only talking about having cancer but the impact of what cancer can do to someone because it’s not only the physical aspects but also mentally.”

Despite a difficult chemotherapy treatment, Ms Jack Kaufusi said she would be participating in the Workout4Women and Ovarian Cancer Australia fundraiser by walking 4km.

“It’s good to set a little challenge for yourself but most importantly raising awareness and much needed funds.”

“This isn’t just about me, it’s for the women who are no longer here, for the women who are currently going through this and for our future sisters, daughters and mothers to ensure they do not go down the same road.”