Marie-Louise Willis shares journey from shock diagnosis to inspiring hope

A mum-of-two and full-time carer is encouraging other parents to prioritise their health after receiving a shocking diagnosis.

Marie-Louise Willis with her daughters Ash and Amy.

A 47-year-old single mother of two from Noosa, has issued a heartfelt plea for carers and busy parents to prioritise their health after being diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer earlier this year.

Marie-Louise Willis’ journey began on Christmas Day 2023 when she experienced back pain while preparing a meal.

“I needed someone to help me because my back was so sore lifting the heavy trays,” Ms Willis said.

As weeks went by the pain worsened, but as a full-time carer for her youngest daughter, Amy, 15, who has Angelman syndrome and ASD Level 3, Ms Willis delayed seeking help.

“I have so many appointments for Amy, it’s a lot to juggle. When it comes to going to an appointment for me, I just can’t be bothered,” she said.

She eventually saw a doctor in February where an X-ray didn’t reveal anything serious, but as her pain escalated, she could barely walk.

Months after that appointment, her eldest daughter, Ash, 18, convinced her to see another doctor. In October, a CAT scan revealed devastating news: cancer had spread throughout her spine, with the primary source traced to her breast.

“It took me a while to process it … it was shock and I think the doctor was shocked.

“I kept apologising to her,” she said with a laugh.

Marie-Louise Willis after surgery on her arm.

After receiving the life-changing diagnosis, Ms Willis turned to her closest friends who wasted no time rallying around her.

“My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks before I had the news,” she said.

“We opened a bottle of champagne and we cheered to f*** cancer and we were like, yep we’ve got this.”

Ms Willis recently underwent radiation therapy on her spine, followed by surgery to insert a metal rod in her arm after cancer eroded her bone. She will continue with further treatment in the coming months.

While the diagnosis has been overwhelming, her focus remains on her daughters, whom she describes as her “entire world”.

Amy, non-verbal and reliant on assistive technology, thrives in programs like Seahorse Nippers in Noosa, where she enjoys modified beach activities.

“She comes alive in the water,” Ms Willis said.

“She’s got a wicked sense of humour, she loves to make people laugh and she loves being out in the community.

Marie-Louise Willis is a devoted carer to her daughter Amy.

“I’ve always thought I can never die because I have to look after her because no one else can look after her,” she said, becoming emotional.

“It’s terrifying to not know if I will be able to keep giving her the life that I give her now.”

Ms Willis cherishes the moments when the three of them are together, describing them as a “little band of three”.

She shared that she has always tried to shield Ash from the responsibilities of caring for Amy. However, since her diagnosis, Ash has “stepped up”, taking on a supportive role alongside friends and support workers.

“Ash has been absolutely unbelievable,” she said.

Marie-Louise Willis, a devoted carer to her daughter Amy.

Ms Willis described the support she has received, from her closest friends to complete strangers, as “overwhelming”.

Her friends quickly set up a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $25,000.

She admits the total made her feel “a little embarrassed” at first.

“I’m quite private, and I don’t want to be seen as a victim. I’d rather be known for something else,” she said.

“The money is a huge relief, I’m not going to lie. It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

She said seeing strangers donate $5 or $10 reduced her to tears.

“I sat on the end of my bed just crying. It’s so kind because it’s obviously tough for everyone at the moment … I’m incredibly grateful.”

Despite her diagnosis, Ms Willis remains determined to fulfil her goals.

A passionate writer, she’s working on edits to her debut novel and hopes to see it published.

At the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Adelaide in August, she won a short story competition, receiving an award.

Pip Kaye and Marie Louise Willis. Romance Writers of Australia Pictured on 15th August 2024. Picture: Ben Clark

Ms Willis shared that a close friend recently signed a two-book deal, and one of her “big goals” is to be there for her friends book launch in 2026.

She’s also determined to be at Amy’s school formal when she graduates, already imagining the dress her daughter will wear.

“I want to dress her up and see her wearing her dress,” she said.

Ms Willis hopes her story will inspire others, particularly carers who often feel “burnt out,” to prioritise their own health.

She shared how a loved one, inspired by her diagnosis, underwent a health check and discovered early-stage thyroid cancer.

“She had no symptoms, nothing and it’s been caught very, very early so that is such good news, it’s very treatable and she will have surgery in a couple of weeks.

“Please, everyone, get tested for your health and hug your kids, hard,” Ms Willis said.

As she prepares for more intensive treatment, Ms Willis remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from Amy, who has herself defied expectations.

“She’s the toughest, strongest, most amazing little sparkle in the world,” she said.

To support Marie-Louise and her family, please visit the GoFundMe campaign here.

Originally published as Marie-Louise Willis shares journey from shock diagnosis to inspiring hope