At just 15 years of age, India McGuigan was told she only had months to live after being diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in her spinal cord.
Now 19 and studying to be a doctor, India’s story of courage and never-give-up attitude was the inspiration behind one of CCQ’s appeal mail campaigns in 2014 to raise vital funds.
India’s story is nothing short of inspirational. Because of where her tumour was located, surgeons were unable to remove all of it, leaving India in a wheelchair. She was told she would never walk unaided again.
Having always been active and sports-mad, this news was devastating to India.
Endless sessions of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and physiotherapy followed. The chemo made her so sick with nausea, she couldn’t eat for days on end. Despite being in a wheelchair, India continued to go to school.
She was determined to walk again, but not just walk at her year 12 formal – she wanted to wear heels. And that’s exactly what she did!
India’s battle is not over. Her treatment is ongoing – as is her resolve.
“I didn’t want cancer to stop me. I’ve always been the sort of person who, if I set my mind on something, I do it,” India said.
Sharing India’s story reminds us of why we are working every day to help beat cancer. It is also a powerful way of letting our generous supporters know why their donations are so important to people with cancer, like India. Together, we will beat cancer.