07/07/2026
7.7.2016 → 7.7.2026
Today marks 10 years of living.
Ten years ago today, my life changed forever.
I walked into the Tennyson Centre for my appointment, my professor looked at me and said, "Head straight to the hospital." Within hours, I was diagnosed with AML leukaemia. And treatment began.
I don't usually celebrate the day I was diagnosed with cancer. Instead, I acknowledge it with a heart full of gratitude, because on that day, I truly didn't know if I would still be here 10 years later.
The months that followed were some of the hardest of my life. I spent five weeks in hospital, one week at home, then back into hospital again. This became my reality until the end of the year.
Then came another heartbreaking conversation.
I was told that without a bone marrow transplant, I would not survive. A worldwide search began, but no donor could be found.
Even writing those words today reminds me how precious this life is.
My beautiful friends, Sara and Jax, refused to give up hope. They created Find Tan A Donor on Facebook, spreading awareness and helping my story reach thousands of people. Their love and determination will always be one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.
Then in November 2019, I relapsed.
Still, there was no donor.
I made the difficult decision to refuse treatment because I believed it might be my last Christmas with my beautiful family, and that was where I wanted to be.
But life had other plans.
On 1 January 2020, I was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department and started chemotherapy immediately.
Then, in February, one of the most unforgettable moments of my life happened.
My haematologist walked into my room where Chris and I were and said the words we had dreamed of hearing for years...
"We've found you a perfect match."
To my incredible anonymous donor—my beautiful Turkish Stallion—there are simply no words big enough to express my gratitude. Because of your selfless gift, I am here. You gave me a future. I hope that one day I have the privilege of meeting you so I can thank you in person.
On 11 March 2020, I received my stem cell transplant.
Just one week later, Australia entered its first COVID lockdown. Soon after, overseas stem cells stopped coming into Australia. The timing of my transplant was nothing short of extraordinary, and it's another reminder that life can change in an instant.
Looking back over the past 10 years, there have been moments of fear, heartbreak, uncertainty and incredible courage.
But there has also been overwhelming love.
Love from my family, who never left my side.
Love from friends who carried me when I couldn't carry myself.
Love from an extraordinary medical team.
Love from complete strangers who became part of my journey.
And the greatest gift of all...
More time.
Today isn't about celebrating cancer.
It's about celebrating life.
It's about celebrating the ordinary moments we so often take for granted. Morning coffees. Belly laughs. Adventures. Sunsets. Hugs. Watching my family grow. Creating memories. Loving deeply. Living fully. Dancing.
These 10 years have taught me that life isn't promised, but every single day is a gift.
So today, I celebrate.
I celebrate being here.
I celebrate every person who has walked beside me.
I celebrate my donor.
I celebrate science, hope and miracles.
And most of all, I celebrate this beautiful, messy, precious life.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey over the past decade. You have loved me, supported me, prayed for me, encouraged me and celebrated every milestone with me.
My heart has never been fuller.
Here's to life.
Here's to gratitude.
And here's to making every single day count. ❤️ Tan x o
10 years of living... and I'm just getting started.
