Cancer sufferer Alisi Jack Kaufusi told her condition is terminal, starts bucket list

From skydiving and flying in a fighter jet to visiting Tonga – this bayside woman is living life to the fullest after being told the cancer ravaging her body could not be cured.

It was last month when this bayside woman received the news which could have made her life come crumbling down.

Alexandra Hills resident Alisi Jack Kaufusi’s stage three ovarian cancer, something she was diagnosed with in 2017, had progressed to stage four with doctors telling her the condition had become terminal.

But instead of letting the news get her down, the 29-year-old started her greatest and possibly last adventure, taking on her “timeless bucket list” with the help of family and friends, who created a GoFundMe page to assist.

The page has raised more than $11,500 of a $15,000 goal.

Alisi Jack Kaufusi, 29, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 24. Picture: Mark Cranitch

From flying in a fighter jet to seeing a polar bear in the wild and visiting Tonga with her dad – Ms Kaufusi’s list, inspired by her friend, features 66 items but she is hoping to extend it to 100.

“Even though I've been battling this disease for five years, this list is very hard to write,” Ms Kaufusi said.

“It’s not making a list and saying ‘this is something I want to do in five years or 10 years’ – my future is different from someone who doesn’t have a terminal disease.

Tracey Jubber, who made the fundraiser, said her friend was a fierce advocate for raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer.

“She has never been one to never give up without a fight,” she said.

Despite the shocking news about her diagnoses in November, Ms Kaufusi said she was not at the stage where there were no longer options for treatment.

“My oncologist is so determined to help prolong my life,” the HR administrator said.

“My family have been struggling themselves this last week – cancer doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it, it also affects those around you.

“We’ve been leaning on each other for support.”

Alisi Jack Kaufusi goes skydiving. Picture: GoFundMe

Ms Kaufusi, who was “overwhelmed” by the GoFundMe page, ticked-off the first item on her list earlier this month when she went skydiving at the Sunshine Coast.

“Amazing is an understatement,” she said.

“Before we jumped out, I just felt so free.

“I forgot about my reality and that I was dealing with ovarian cancer.”

Ms Kaufusi is still working despite the diagnosis and said it gave her purpose.

“It helps me to get up in the morning and have routine,” she said.

“I know what it feels like not to be able to work and have that routine.

“I love my job and what I do.

“My work is like my family, they have helped me get through the last couple of weeks.

“They’ve been so supportive’.”

Speaking on her advocacy for ovarian cancer over the years, Alisi said she learnt so much.

“I’ve met many other women here and overseas who are going through something similar,” she said.

“I find a sense of comfort in sharing the experience I‘m going through because if I can help one woman then I know I’m doing the right thing.

“I feel like when the time comes for me to leave this earth, I want to be sure I leave a legacy and to let people know that I beat ovarian cancer by living my life and raising awareness.”