Keeping up with Kellie Finlayson in her new Advertiser column

This column will be a window into my life and the rollercoaster of being a mother, wife, teacher, advocate, content creator and cancer patient, writes Kellie Finlayson.

For those that don’t know me, I’m Kellie Finlayson. A local Adelaide girl, born and bred in Port Lincoln, just down the road and around the corner. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you through The Advertiser.

This column will serve as a window into my life, passions, and the rollercoaster that comes with the title of mother, wife, high school maths teacher, advocate, content creator and, as of late, a stage 4 Colorectal Cancer patient.

As the proud mum of my energetic two-year-old Sophia and the wife of Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson (an essential note: THE South Australian football team, well that I follow anyway), I wear many hats, each with its unique set of challenges but also so many blessings.

Life has a funny way of presenting unexpected turns, and my story is no exception. The plot thickened as I found myself not only navigating the intricacies of motherhood and marriage but also confronting the harsh realities of a challenging health journey.

Kellie Finlayson, Sophie Edwards and Jordan Lambropoulos ahead of their new podcast called Sh!t Talkers. Picture: Ben Clark

And on that, I think it is important to note that while there are so many people with a similar diagnosis, each experience is so unbelievably different and I’ll only be commenting on my own lived experience, and of course those close to me, who have confided in me and those that I’ve lived through the darkest days with.

You may already know my face from different stories within The Advertiser, whether it be the dreaded diagnosis and all that’s come with it, our intimate wedding – which I cannot wait to touch on more, the night I met THE Ed Sheeran, or even the work I’ve done with my advocacy but you may also know me from my work on social media, sharing glimpses of our everyday life, the highs and lows, and the moments that make us who we are.

Now, with this column, I aim to bring you deeper into my world, sharing personal updates on my health, addressing frequently asked questions, and delving into a myriad of topics that resonate with us all.

Being a Jodi Lee Foundation Ambassador holds a special place in my heart. It has given me the platform to advocate for colorectal cancer early detection and prevention. My journey with stage 4 Colorectal Cancer has been a profound teacher, pushing me to embrace vulnerability and strength simultaneously.

Through this column, I hope to shed light on the challenges faced by those affected by chronic illnesses, clarifying common misconceptions, and inspire resilience.

Kellie Finlayson with husband Jeremy Finlayson and their daughter Sophia. Picture: @kelliefinlayson_/Instagram

Kellie Finlayson with her husband Jeremy and daughter Sophia. Picture: Russell Millard

Every fortnight, I plan to share my experiences, thoughts, and lessons learned. I want this space to be more than just a recounting of my personal journey – I want it to be a conversation. Your questions, your concerns, and your stories matter. I invite you to be a part of this dialogue, to engage with the content, and to share your insights.

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be exploring a range of topics, from health and wellness to family dynamics, lifestyle trends, and much more. Additionally, I’ll be reaching out to professionals in various fields to provide you with expert insights and diverse perspectives.

This column is not just about me; it’s about us. It’s about the shared human experience, the triumphs, the setbacks, and the beauty that emerges from the mundane and the extraordinary alike. Together, we can create a space where authenticity reigns, where questions are welcomed, and where we find strength in our shared vulnerabilities.

If the content I bring each fortnight is something that is of interest to you, you’ll find more conversations around similar topics with different guests as well as my co-hosts Sophie & Jordy, over on our Podcast – @Shttalkerspod.

If the name doesn’t suggest what might be covered, than let it be known that for three local Adelaide women that have had the unfortunate diagnosis of a chronic bowel illness, were undeniably passionate about bringing the hard conversations to light and breaking down stigma’s each and everyday- ie, girls do in fact poo.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I am eager to connect with each one of you, and I look forward to the stories we will create together through the power of words.

@kelliefinlayson_

Originally published as Keeping up with Kellie Finlayson in her new Advertiser column