Townsville woman Pearl Knight refuses to bow to cancer

A Townsville woman is in a desperate race against time, trying to raise funds to travel overseas for alternative cancer treatment after a devastating diagnosis turned her world upside down.

Townsville's Pearl Knight, 34, has been diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer. Picture: Supplied

A Townsville woman is in a desperate race against time, trying to raise funds to travel overseas for alternative cancer treatment after a devastating diagnosis turned her world upside down.

Pearl Knight, 34, discovered a lump in her breast just six weeks ago, a moment that marked the beginning of a harrowing journey.

Within days, doctors confirmed her worst fears: the lump was breast cancer, and the disease had already spread extensively throughout her body.

Diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage four cancer, Pearl learned that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, spine, neck, rib, and liver.

“It was so scary,” Ms Knight recounted.

Townsville's Pearl Knight, 34, has been diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer. Picture: Supplied

“I remember feeling a bit tired and nauseous at the time, but I thought it may have been due to my diet — I had no clue it would be cancer.

“It was so devastating, and it all happened so quickly.”

Since her diagnosis, Pearl has undergone radiation treatment and is preparing to start a targeted therapy drug, which aims to contain the cancer and prevent it from spreading further. However, she was dealt another blow when doctors informed her that chemotherapy was not an option due to the extent of the cancer’s spread.

“Unfortunately, chemo is off the table for me,” she said.

Despite the grim news, Pearl is refusing to give up hope. She is now looking to pursue alternative treatments abroad in Mexico.

Close friend, Emma Bennett, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the $80,000 needed to get Pearl to Mexico. So far, the campaign has raised about $12,000.

Townsville's Pearl Knight, 34, has been diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer. Picture: Supplied

The 34-year-old, who has been working in Townsville as a part-time receptionist, said it had been especially hard going through this with her family so far away in New Zealand.

“I want to go home, but the targeted therapy drug I’m going to start soon is a lot more expensive over there,” Ms Knight said.

“If I do get sicker, though, I think I may go home to be with my loved ones.”

You can help here: https://gofund.me/e9f4e0d3

Originally published as Townsville woman Pearl Knight refuses to bow to cancer