All Kylie Ianna wanted was to see her boys smile again.
The last three-and-a-half years have been a difficult time for the family, as the Cessnock woman continues her battle with terminal cancer.
Ms Ianna was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 21, 2013 – the anniversary of her mother’s death from the same disease.
She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and had a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed.
But last year she received the devastating news that her cancer had spread to her bones, back, ribs, neck and skull.
While in hospital she found out about Dreams2Live4, an organisation that grants wishes to patients with metastatic cancer.
“I couldn’t believe that such a wonderful organisation existed and could do this for me,” Ms Ianna said.
“I was desperate to help my boys cope with what is happening.
“I want them to have memories of me that are filled with happiness and adventure, laughter and love – not the defeat of this horrible disease.”
Ms Ianna is the first patient to benefit from the $30,000 grant Dreams2Live4 recently received from Jetstar’s Flying Start program.
Ms Ianna and her sons embarked on their dream holiday to the Gold Coast theme parks on September 19 – the first time she had ever boarded a plane.
“We have never had a family holiday like this,” she said.
“I want them to remember the ‘fun me’, and thanks to Dreams2Live4 and Jetstar we can create these memories.”
