She received the news nobody wants to hear – “you have breast cancer”.

While she underwent surgery and a gruelling 12 months of chemotherapy, she was fortunate to have an excellent support network including doctors, pharmacy staff and friends.

She also made many new friends throughout her journey, including members of the Cessnock Breast Cancer Support Group, which held its first meeting just a few months after her diagnosis.

“I met many great people along the way because of my cancer,” Kelly said.

“It’s good to know that you are not alone.

“Cancer can be a very lonely journey, but I was so lucky with the wonderful friends who provided comfort and support for me.”

Another important thing that kept Kelly going during treatment was maintaining her sense of humour.

“When you can laugh at cancer, you feel like you are putting it in its place, that you are the boss!” she said.

More than 10 years since her diagnosis, Kelly is proud to say she is a cancer survivor, and spends much of her time helping others with the disease and raising funds for a cure.

“For me being a survivor means that I have time to help fight cancer by raising money to fund research into finding a cure and by raising awareness of the disease,” she said.

Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Relay For Life are among the events she supports as a volunteer and fundraiser.

She has also trained as an advocate with the Cancer Council and has assisted with campaigns to abolish the chemotherapy co-payment and to improve palliative care services.

Cancer Council Hunter Central Coast regional manager Shayne Connell said volunteers like Kelly are important to the work of Cancer Council.

“Kelly is so passionate about the cancer cause and she volunteers across fundraising, support and advocacy. She is a real cancer champion!” he said.

This Saturday Kelly will attend her 20^th Relay For Life – having taken to the track in Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Maitland and Sydney over the years.

“Relay is so special to me – it’s a chance to honour our survivors and carers, to remember our loved ones who lost the battle and to reinforce the commitment to beat cancer by finding a cure," she said.

"The survivors' and carers lap at Relay is a highlight for me – it reminds me of how far I have come and that we still need to fight to find a cure for cancer.”

The 2016 Cessnock Relay For Life will be held at Baddeley Park on Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 10pm.

Any survivors or carers wanting to join the opening lap can register online at cessnockrelay.com or call Kelly on 0432 611 802.