St Joseph’s College student Tahlia Utz shares cancer story after school mates raise thousands

At 16, a Toowoomba student’s world was turned upside down when she was given a devastating cancer diagnosis. Now, her classmates have come together to raise thousands. Read her inspiring story here.

At 16 years old, Tahlia Utz’s world was turned upside down when she was thrown into the fight for her life.

The St Joseph’s College school captain, now 18, underwent two surgeries and a round of chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with carcinoid lung tumour – a form of lung cancer.

“I was diagnosed with asthma for so long. When we found out it was lung cancer, I was really shocked because you don't expect a 16-year-old to get lung cancer,” she said.

On Friday afternoon, her classmates took part in a colour run and shave for a cure which has raised almost $15,000.

“For people to be standing in solidarity for people like myself and all battlers of cancer, I think it’s really important, it means so much,” she said.

St Josephs College captain Tahlia Utz after the Colour Explosion run is ready for Shave for a Cure, Friday, August 12, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Now in remission, Ms Utz had more than two-thirds of her right lung removed, as well as multiple lymph nodes and a section of her heart lining.

Ms Utz has continued to inspire the community with her positive mind frame and determination to achieve her goals.

“I ran cross country a few days after my last chemo had finished,” she said.

St Josephs College student Sophie Wagner prepares to cut her hair in Shave for a Cure, Friday, August 12, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I love keeping fit and even with only one and a bit lungs left, this is my new normal.

“I really tried to stay positive (during my cancer journey), and I feel that I recovered better because I tried to keep going.”

Schoolmate Sophie Wagner was one of the highest fundraisers in the school, collecting more than $1000 to fight cancer.

“I’ve always wanted to take part in this event because my best childhood friend was affected by leukaemia at a very young age,” she said.

“I can really empathise with people going through the sickness journey because I live with Cystic Fibrosis – I can only begin to understand what going through cancer must be like.”