Jodie Amor was just 33 and married with two young children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer – the journey that transpired from her fight not only changed her life forever, but the lives of many others.
It was through her battle with cancer that Jodie formed the local charity group Pink Finss, which has gone on to support hundreds of women suffering from cancer in the Hawkesbury community.
“At 33 I had no idea that an aggressive form of breast cancer was already invading my body. An ultrasound revealed two tumours and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007,” Jodie said.
“A whirlwind of events followed – first a biopsy, then a lumpectomy, a mastectomy and the gruelling chemotherapy.”
It was during her chemotherapy visits that Jodie noticed a poster for a triathlon, which sparked a fire inside her – “I thought, how great would it be to do that?”
“Once I’d made it through the first stage of chemotherapy, I joined a gym. In the May I entered the 8km Mother’s Day Classic walk. After completing the walk I was so proud of my achievement and felt great.”
Jodie then set her target and started training for her first triathlon – 100m swim, 3km bike, 1km run.
“We trained Saturday mornings at Mick Ferris’s “FINSS Swim School. Mick is a very experienced tri-athlete himself and has been amazing, sharing his expertise and encouragement. I don’t think I could have done it without his support.”
“This is how the Pink Finss began. There were just nine of us that first year, almost 40 in 2009.”
Since then the Pink Finss has grown exponentially and has become a well renown charity in the Hawkesbury.
Since overcoming her battle with cancer, Jodie has made it her mission to help others going through the same thing.
The Pink Finss mission is to create a supportive environment for any woman who is currently suffering from breast cancer. To raise awareness and money to assist local women suffering from breast cancer and their families. Whether it be financial, emotional or practical support.
Jodie believes the success of her charity wouldn’t have come about without the support of the Hawkesbury community.
“The Hawkesbury is such an amazing place to live. While we have the room to be able to spread out a bit here, I love the way everyone gets together and helps out if someone needs it.
“I am lucky to have grown up in the Hawkesbury, and now I can't think of a better place to raise my kids.
“I love it when I come home from the city, I can feel myself relaxing as I get closer to the river and the wide open spaces.”
Jodie was featured as one of the 100 faces in the ‘We Are Hawkesbury’ exhibition and says she is honoured to be a part of such a local initiative.
“It’s an honour to be able to share my story, and bring hope and happiness to many families in the Hawkesbury.”
- Jodie Amor is one of the faces in the We Are Hawkesbury: 100 Faces Photographic Exhibition, which runs from June 29 to July 2 at the Richmond School of Arts. The exhibition is open 10am until 3pm each day, and entry is via gold coin donation which will go to the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust.