Emma Gorrick amazes family, friends in battle against terminal cancer

A Sydney mum given three months to live after 32 cancer tumours were found throughout her body has continued to amaze those around her, three years after her “shattering” diagnosis.

Northern Beaches mum Emma Gorrick with her husband Dave and children Ryan and Mya.

A Sydney mum given three months to live after 32 cancer tumours were found throughout her body has continued to amaze those around her, three years after her “shattering” diagnosis.

Emma Gorrick was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, with the next few years consisting of chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy in an effort to beat the disease.

Spending the next phase of her life on medication and hormone blockers, Mrs Gorrick was given the all clear in 2018.

The relief was short-lived. Her world was brought crashing down again just two years later when she learnt her cancer had not only returned, but had spread and was terminal.

“The scan showed she had 32 tumours through her bones and a mass in her liver, about the size of a tennis ball,” close friend Ely Barbero said.

Emma Gorrick with her husband Dave and children Ryan and Mya..

“The primary tumour was in her liver with spots also in her spine, hip and ribs.

“Her liver is the most impacted area by these new findings. She now lives with a permanent port in her lower abdomen for weekly draining so the excess liquid doesn’t build up in her stomach.

“We were all extremely shattered by her re-diagnosis, however we are all strong believers in Em’s determination and her choice of treatment, having no option but to seek an integrative and holistic approach because she was refused cancer treatments from western medicine, due to her terminal diagnosis.”

The 37-year-old was only given three months to live, but has now passed the three-year mark.

“It seemed like western medicine lost all hope on her, but she never gave up,” Ms Barbero said.

“She has never taken no for an answer and consistently showed signs of being the exception.

“Never lose hope. Hope is what has kept her spirit shining.”

Emma Gorrick in hospital.

Emma and her daughter Mys have been described as twin flames.

Mrs Gorrick’s husband of ten years, Dave, has been the rock of the Northern Beaches family as he guides his wife and two children Mya, 7, and Ryan, 4, through the unknown.

“His evolution in her journey has been one of our favourite things to watch,” family friend Mel Browning said.

“He is ‘Mr Mary Poppins’, he can do it all. In the last year, He has put so much time and effort into the inner workings of their home. He was always their provider, but he is now Em’s full time caregiver.

“The kids are too young to fully understand the severity. Mya is Em’s twin flame, they are so special to one another.

“Dave is an amazing man to take such great care of his family.”

Ms Browning said Mrs Gorrick, who is bedridden for much of the day, was living every day as it came.

“Em is extremely energetic and loving with her kids, she’s loud, fun and always putting them first,” she said.

“She would do anything for her tribe.”

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the Gorrick family.