Ash Trotter was just a high school student when she first became familiar with breast cancer, as her mother, Linda, was diagnosed at the young age of 50. Luckily, her mother’s treatment was effective, and she went into remission for several years.
When Ash was 30 years old, her cousin Jodie, also in her early thirties, was diagnosed with breast cancer. This led Ash and her entire father’s side of the family to be tested for BRCA2 gene mutations.
The results were astounding: “Every member on my dad’s side of the family has tested positive,” said Ash.
Mutations or faults in the BRCA2 gene are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. About 1 in 400 to 1 in 800 people have a BRCA2 gene fault.
Ash reflects on the year of her 30th birthday and the emotional impact of her experiences: “It was quite overwhelming, and it was a big year for all of that to happen. It was a lot of emotions to carry.”
Shortly after Ash found out her BRCA status, her mum received her second diagnosis: the cancer had come back and spread outside of the breast to other organs. Ash’s mum tragically passed away six months later.
Empowered with the knowledge of her BRCA mutations and with the aim to prevent breast cancer, Ash made the decision to have a mastectomy: “It was a no-brainer.”
This personal connection to breast cancer fuels Ash’s advocacy for further research and awareness. And this is how the Hotel Paradiso fundraiser came to life.
Through a personal connection, Ash was introduced to Professor Delphine Merino at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.
Professor Merino’s Tumour Progression and Heterogeneity Laboratory focuses on understanding why, for some patients, the disease will spread to vital organs such as the lungs or brain. The team uses patient samples and innovative technologies to study the genetic differences between tumour cells that are very aggressive, and the others. This research objective is, of course, very close to Ash’s heart.
Ash is the co-owner of Hotel Paradiso in Frankston, a new and lively beachside venue which attracts locals and visitors from across Australia. To support Professor Merino’s research, the Hotel Paradiso team organised a breast cancer fundraiser coinciding with Mother’s Day weekend.
The event was a huge success, with over 300 people attending on this sunny day. Professor Merino gave a presentation to the attendees to explain the importance of her metastatic breast cancer research, and nearly $9,000 was raised.
Professor Merino said: “The funds raised will support our work towards finding better treatments for aggressive breast cancer types.”
“There was a very warm atmosphere, a friendly and supportive community, the venue and food were beautiful, room filled with very generous people dedicated to support cancer research and improving the life of patients with breast cancer.”
The incidence of breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand is the highest in the world. In Australia, breast cancer affects 1 in 7 women, and 1 in 556 men, making Australian-led research in this area even more vital.
A huge thank you to Ash and the Hotel Paradiso team for throwing this incredible fundraising event. Passionate advocates like Ash power advances in our cancer research to find treatments that are more effective, tolerable and accessible.