Share Your Story

Emma White

Emma White is in one word: exuberant. Born and raised in Bunbury, WA, she now lives her dream as a paramedic in Perth.

Emma served as Solaris Cancer Care’s 2016 Ambassador. This is a snippet of the incredible story she penned in 2015 after being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer: 

‘Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it.’ This is how I had been living my life for the past six months. When there was a needle I didn’t want to have or a scan I was scared to do; all I needed was a few seconds of courage then it would be over or it would be more manageable.

Six months ago I would have laughed if someone told me this is the way I was going to be living my life of cancer.

Last year, I was in the prime of my life, being 25 years old. I was enjoying my dream job as a paramedic, busy social life, and was just generally feeling awesome. Then from left field, I became diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.

The cancer diagnosis completely turned my life upside down but to my surprise it was not all for the worst. Don’t get me wrong, cancer sucks; the chemotherapy, feeling sick, double mastectomy and all the other lovely surgeries I still have in front of me is not fun at all. Not to mention it is also an emotional roller coaster : one minute laughing and having a joke, the next minute tearing things up, yelling, and crying. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

However, throughout everything I have met amazing and inspirational people; I have learnt so much about myself and also the people around me. I am stronger than I ever thought I could be and I no longer get hung up on the stupid little things. When you go through something like cancer, it makes you look at everything differently.

“Sometimes the best things in life aren’t things but people that make you feel loved and cared for.”

Solaris Cancer Care has played a huge part in making my cancer so much more bearable. It gave me a safe place to relax, unwind and escape.  I felt very lucky to go and get a few massages and do some meditation and yoga at Solaris Cancer Care Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and South West. Furthermore, it gave me piece of mind to know that those who were caring for me, my parents and my house mates in Perth, were also being looked after and could have a well-deserved break.

Solaris Cancer Care had been a large part of my family’s life before I was even diagnosed. My mum volunteered and has worked for Solaris Cancer Care South West for many years. I organised charity dinners that raised money for Solaris Cancer Care back in 2012 and 2013. It was ironic that I have ended up using their services.

I was honoured to have been asked to be Solaris Cancer Care’s 2016 Ambassador. From this role, I have engaged with fellow cancer patients to make them aware that Solaris Cancer Care will be there for them, always. 

Article from The Bunbury Mail: Bunbury woman to lead epic journey after cancer battle

Media and Images published by The Bunbury Mail on 7 December 2015

More Ambassador Stories

Ryan Doran

Deloitte Tax Analyst Ryan Doran served as Solaris Cancer Care’s 2017 Ambassador for both its programs and The Red Sky Ride. When diagnosed with cancer

Read More »

Fiona Boyce

Former Olympian and professional hockey player, Fiona Boyce, served as Solaris Cancer Care’s Red Sky Ride Ambassador in 2015. Born in Perth, 27 year old

Read More »

Mark Lane

Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane served as Solaris Cancer Care’s 2019-2020 Ambassador, both for its program and The Red Sky Ride. Mark jotted down a

Read More »