‘Silent killer’: Brave Warwick grandmother shares battle with ovarian cancer to raise crucial community awareness of deadly disease

First written off as menopause or ulcers, ovarian cancer was the shock diagnosis that changed the lives of Kerol Dunne and her family forever. Now, she hopes her story can raise crucial awareness that could save a life.

When Warwick resident Kerol Dunne first went to her doctor with cramps, back pain, and appetite loss, it was dismissed as menopause or a treatable stomach ulcer.

But deep down, she knew something else was wrong.

It was only a month later in August last year that a softball-sized tumour was found on Kerol’s left ovary, and she and her family received the heartbreaking diagnosis of Stage 2B ovarian cancer.

After undergoing a full hysterectomy and appendectomy followed by six months of chemotherapy, the Warwick grandmother said it was only trusting herself and chasing a second opinion that helped catch the disease early.

“My oncologist has told me he almost never sees anyone diagnosed before stage 3 or 4 … (and) that only 48 per cent of women make it past five years from being diagnosed,” Kerol said.

“It was really just being in tune with your own body. When this doctor kept saying it was menopause, I knew it wasn’t and kept saying that, but she wouldn’t believe me.

“We have to wait until July 1 now to know whether (treatment) has worked or not, find out the prognosis and go from there.”

While the difficult and draining treatment process took a toll on her family, Kerol said the unwavering support from best friend Lisa Wilson, Warwick Hospital staff, and the wider Rose City community made all the difference.

Rolly’s Party and Lolly Shop has been a longstanding member of the Warwick business community, with Kerol’s husband Pat Dunne and daughter Sarah Brassington pictured. Picture: WDN

She added Ovarian Cancer Australia even invited her husband Pat to a live webinar group for men supporting their partners battling the disease.

“Warwick Hospital was just beautiful to me, and we had (Rolly’s Party and Lolly Shop) customers who would come in-store and then send me flowers at home,” she said.

Inspired by her mum’s story and watching her own children, aged seven and four, struggle to understand their “Nan Nan’s” illness, daughter Sarah Brassington was determined to raise community awareness about the “silent killer”.

The Ladies’ Night Out Trivia and Auction for Ovarian Cancer on Saturday, June 5 will see up to 200 people turn out in support of Kerol and her family.

Sarah said she was blown away by how Warwick residents and businesses had rallied behind the event.

“We’ve had so many sponsors and donations, everyone has pitched in … and almost every business in town has donated a gift certificate for the auction,” she said.

“The Warwick community has been absolutely amazing. We appreciate everyone’s donations, gifts, and even just calling in to see how you are … it was so good just being able to talk to somebody and blurt it all out.

“They do say it’s a silent killer, so we’re just so lucky that Mum was persistent and did have her scans.

“We want to raise money, raise awareness, have some laughs and some fun, and also help women be aware that any symptom is worth having checked out.”

The Ladies’ Night Out Trivia and Auction Night will kick off at 7pm at St Mary’s Hall in Warwick on Saturday, June 5.

Six tables are still available for booking. Tickets are $30 per person, and include a light meal plus tea and coffee.

Contact Sarah on 0400 392 741 for more information.