Cancer survivor conquers new challenge

Barb was only 37 with two young children when she was given her shock diagnosis.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Barb Hultgren accepts her Member of the Year award from Kate Davidson, EFM Health Club Noosaville.

WHEN Barbara Hultgren was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, life as she knew it changed forever.

Noosaville business owner, Barb was only 37 with two young children when she was given her shock diagnosis.

“Initially being told was the hardest part,” she said.

“It was a huge shock.

“There was a big change to my independence.”

But Barb, 55 is not one to back down from a challenge.

“After being told you just get on with it,” she said.

“Once you get on the treatment at least you feel like you are doing something.”

“There was nine months of chemo and radiation.”

That was 18 years ago, and today, Barb can confidently say she is cancer free.

Looking back now she is happy it all worked out the way it did.

“Well it’s been 18 years so if I’m still here to talk about it I must’ve made the right decision,” she said.

Three years ago, Barb was beginning to feel the effects of middle-age and decided it was time to join a gym.

Up until then she had never really been much a gym person.

“I was more of a walk around the block sort of person,” she said.

But it was something she took to immediately and Barb could not be happier with the team at Noosaville’s EFM Health Club.

“A friend suggested I should go, so I thought I’ll give it a try” she said.

“It’s very friendly and there are no mirrors.

“You do a different workout every day.”

Barb’s hard work and dedication were rewarded last year when she was awarded the best member for 2019.

“A gym friend hatched up a plan to do some chin ups,” she said.

“It took us a year but we got there.

“For a middle aged lady that’s pretty good.”

Barb offered some sound advice for others who would like to start exercising but may have heath issues holding them back.

“Just get in and give it a go,” she said.

“It can be daunting but you will get good support.”

And as for the cancer, as far as Barb is concerned, that’s all in the past.

“I don’t dwell on it,” she said.

“A lot of the details I find hard to recall.

“It’s all behind me, I just get on with it now.”

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