Community rallies as Steph Murphy battles breast cancer

STEPH Murphy was just 12 when her mother died of breast cancer. Ten years later she is now fighting her own cancer battle with help from the Kilsyth community.

Steph Murphy is in the fight of her life after being diagnosed with breast cancer, 10 years after it clammed her mum’s life. Picture: Steve Tanner

A 22-YEAR-OLD Croydon childcare worker has vowed to fight a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, 10 years after her mum died of the same disease.

Steph Murphy, from Kilsyth, said she was shocked to find a lump in her breast three weeks ago.

After undergoing several ultrasounds and biopsies she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on May 15.

It was only 10 years ago that her mother died after a long battle with breast cancer at 40.

At the same time, she is also one of the main carers for her father who has kidney failure and needs daily dialysis.

Ms Murphy said she was heartbroken after receiving her diagnosis.

“All I thought about was how am I am going to tell my family?” she said.

“My dad is just devastated and he has taken it the hardest.”

She said she was taking each day as it came and trying to stay positive.

“I’ve been told that they’ve caught it early because it hasn’t spread to my lymph nodes.

“I’m in the process of freezing my eggs and I’m trying to stay strong.”

She said she would be starting chemotherapy in early June and she would then undergo a double mastectomy.

“I’m really hopeful because the medicine that I’m having has improved so much and there is hope for a full recovery.”

Ms Murphy said she thought about her mother almost every day.

“I watched my mother fight a long fight and she was strong.

“She had breast cancer that spread to her lungs and eventually her brain.”

She said she was extremely grateful to her workplace Pooh Bear’s House and the outer east community.

Steph Murphy has had plenty of support from the community, including the childcare centre in Croydon where she works. Picture: Steve Tanner

Her manager Kim Russell started a GoFundMe campaign immediately after her diagnosis.

Ms Russell said she was overwhelmed by the support as $23,000 had almost been raised.

At least $20,000 had already been used to pay off hefty medical bills.

“Stephanie is a ray of sunshine and she is so loved by the children and their parents,” Ms Russell said.

“She is one of the most genuine people you will ever come across and as a team we will be supporting her through this fight.”

Ms Murphy said she believed that life was gift and that it should never be taken for granted.

“I urge all women even those who are young to get their breasts checked.”

“There is so much to live for and I will not give up this fight.”

There will also be a Fun Run at Lillydale Lake on Sunday, June 18 at 10am. All proceeds will go to Steph’s treatment.

Click HERE for event details or to donate.